Kenneth Wayne Deckard

Kenneth (Ken) Wayne Deckard, 81, of Fowler, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.

Born January 10, 1944, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Melvin and Helen (Sweet) Deckard. Ken attended Purdue University to study Aeronautics while working at Fowler State Bank. Ken eventually took on the role of President and CEO with the bank and worked there for 50 years. He retired from the bank in 2009 but remained as Chairman of the Board until 2014. Community was important to Ken. He founded the Benton Community Foundation and was involved with Sacred Heart Elementary School. He was also involved with the Indiana Bankers Association and other Fowler Community Organizations.

Ken married the love of his life, Judy, on September 21, 1963. Throughout their 62 years together, they hardly left each other’s side and enjoyed spending time doing activities together. During their marriage, they welcomed two daughters, Tracy (Doug) and Tiffany (Scott). Ken loved spending time with his family, but especially his grandchildren, Alex, Ally (Brody), Kendell, Kolten, and great-grandchild Everhett. Ken was anxiously awaiting the birth of a second great-grandchild due in March 2026.

Ken always enjoyed deer hunting. He often said he found peace in the quiet of the woods and enjoyed sharing this activity with others. He built a family cabin that he later named ‘Bear Creek’. He often enjoyed spending weekends with his family there. He also enjoyed traveling with his family for special vacations. He was an avid golfer. Later in life, Ken became something of a sports fan. He loved cheering on Purdue and the Indianapolis Colts.

Ken was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2021; because of this, he became involved with Lafayette Area Parkinson Support (LeAPS) boxing program. Through this program, he gained strength and made many new friends.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Judy, daughters, Tracy (Doug) Best, Tiffany (Scott) Simpson, grandchildren, Alex Best, Allyson (Brody) Deno, Kendell Simpson, and Kolten Simpson, great-grandchildren, Everhett Deno, and Baby Deno (coming March 2026), Brother James (Stephanie) Deckard, and Sister Diane Reid, as well as several very special nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Deckard and Helen (Sweet) Deckard Bruner, stepfather, Gordon Bruner, In-laws, Warren and Elizabeth Nesbitt, brother-in-law, Harold Reid, son-in-law, Doug Best, and nephew, Mark Poppinga.

Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fowler on November 21, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a funeral mass following at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette Area Parkinson's Support (LeAPS) program, the Benton Community Foundation, or Sacred Heart School. You may leave condolences and memories using the funeral home website.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Fowler Chapel | 506 E. Main St., Fowler, IN 47944 | (765) 884-0110 | www.kellerfh.com