Joseph Thomas Decker

Joseph Thomas (Tom) Decker
Beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend Joseph Thomas (Tom) Decker returned to his heavenly home peacefully in his sleep 7 October 2025. (He died of causes incident to age. For heaven's sake, he WAS 90 years old.)
Born 1 June 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph Finley & Joy Jensen Decker. Married Mary Elaine Knapton and together are the parents of 6 children, 43 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Family was the center of his universe. Many a time he would exclaim in awe how blessed he was with such a big, wonderful family.
Tom attended Granite High School where he participated in the Civil Air Patrol on the marching drill team which traveled to Madison Square Garden for national competitions. Always adventurous, he and a buddy thumbed their way cross-country back to Utah. Tom continued his education at the University of Utah (BS, Business) which led to a long career in the defense industry as a manager at various levels.
Tom served in the Utah Army National Guard as motor pool sergeant. He was part of the team that built Guardsman Way connecting Big Cottonwood Canyon (near Brighton) to Heber City. He had access to all kinds of military vehicles that could drive anywhere. Continuing until long after he was honorably discharged, we as a family experienced him taking us almost anywhere, not in a military vehicle but in whatever family vehicle we were driving at the time. He could take a station wagon on a four-wheel drive road. We enjoyed some exciting-and at times nerve-wracking-experiences, driving places that most people wouldn't even think of going.
Active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an understatement. Tom served in many callings, wherever he was needed. He was called as a 70 years ago when the church had 70's located in stakes. The 70's group supported missionary work, even financially, and to raise money would cater meals for large events. Tom oversaw all the catering. Years later after many other callings and lots of Family History, he and Mary served a mission in the California Ventura mission. Before and after the mission, they served as temple ordinance workers. They loved Family History work and for nearly 30 years have kept the entire living family supplied with ancestors' names to have ordinances done.
Tom was an active Scouter, serving as Scoutmaster, and several positions at the district level. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of dedicated service.
He is survived by their children: Rick (Sonja); Mary Ann Cook (Tod); David (Mary); Holly; Jon (Mandy) and Dan (Emily), and many posterity. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Erickson, and brother-in-law, Bob Erwin. Preceded in death by wife, Mary; parents, Joseph and Joy; daughter-in-law, Laurie; granddaughter, Carrie; great-grandson, James; great-granddaughter, Verity; sisters, Mary Joy and Susan.
The viewing and funeral service will be at 6180 S Glenoaks St (850 E). A viewing will be held Friday, October 17; 6 – 8 pm; and 9:30 – 10:30 the following day, October 18 immediately prior to the funeral which will be at 11 am. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank First Choice Hospice Care, specifically Jan and Tucker, for their professional and excellent care.