Phillip Ray Deckard

Phillip Ray "Phil" Deckard, 85, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away on Friday, December 26th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and love that spanned more than six decades and touched countless lives.
Phil was born on Sunday, September 1st, 1940, in Bloomington, Indiana, to George H. Deckard and Agnes Beulah (Black) Deckard Bourke. He grew up in Bloomington and graduated from Bloomington South High School in 1958. During his senior year, he proposed to his high school sweetheart, Glenda Faye Bruner, on February 13th, 1958. They married seven months later, on September 5th, 1958, which was the beginning of a 66-year love story and the foundation of his life.
Early in Phil's career, he worked in retail, which brought his family to Martinsville. In 1964, he and two partners opened a clothing and shoe store on the west side of the downtown square. In April 1967, Phil became the first employee hired by Dave Keister, serving as an on-air personality for WCBK, both in the studio and at remote broadcasts throughout the community. In the 1970s, he also shared his faith through The Gospel Show on WART in Plainfield, Indiana.
Phil's lifelong commitment to public service began in 1968, when he became an Indiana State Delegate, launching a 57-year dedication to politics and civic leadership. In 1970, he was elected the youngest County Clerk in the State of Indiana, serving two consecutive terms as Morgan County Clerk. During this time, the voting age changed from 21 to 18, and Phil seized the opportunity to actively engage high school students and young adults, helping them register and become involved in the democratic process.
Following his service as Clerk, Phil was elected Morgan County Assessor, serving three terms. His public service continued as Precinct Committeeman, Morgan County Representative for Senator Richard Lugar, Mayor of Martinsville for four terms, City Councilman for two terms, and he was currently serving on the Martinsville City Council at the time of his passing.
In 1973, he opened Phil Deckard & Associates, becoming a respected Martinsville area realtor, and in 1977, he added auctioneering to his professional work. Widely known as the "Golden Voice," Phil was a beloved public announcer both locally and nationally. His voice echoed across the Indiana State Fair, Michigan State Fair, numerous national horse and cattle shows, Paragon Speedway, Lincoln Park Speedway, and Bloomington Speedway. Locally, he was cherished as the "Voice of the Martinsville Artesians." Beginning in the late 1960s, Phil announced Martinsville High School athletics for decades, covering boys' and girls' basketball and football games, as well as Junior League Football.
Phil was a faithful Christian and unwavering servant of God. He was currently attending Emmanuel Church in Martinsville, was a longtime member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene, and upon moving to Martinsville, he was a co-founder of the First Assembly of God, where he faithfully served for many years.
He was deeply involved in civic and service organizations, including being a longtime member and past president of the Noon Lions Club, past Commander and Chaplain of American Legion Post #230, past member of Martinsville Moose Lodge #1127, member of V.F.W. Lodge #1257 and Elks Lodge #1349, a 50+ year member and Master Mason of Masonic Lodge #74, member of the Paragon Conservation Club, and a board member of the Martinsville Senior Center.
Phil proudly served his country with honor in the United States Navy (1958–1959) and the United States Air Force (1959-1963). He was honorably discharged on October 11th, 1963, earning the rank E-4, Airman First Class.
Above all else, Phil was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished Papaw. He was an avid supporter of the Martinsville Artesians, a lover of music and sports, and a man who never missed an opportunity to connect with others. He enjoyed camping and vacationing with his family, hunting, and attending his children's and grandchildren's extracurricular activities. He will be fondly remembered for his annual telephone calls, joyfully singing "Happy Birthday" and "Happy Anniversary" to family and friends, a simple gesture that reflected his generous heart.
Phil lived a life of purpose, faith, and service. His voice, leadership, and love will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. He is survived by his daughters, Philicia Deckard of Chicago, Illinois, and Tonya Deckard of Martinsville, IN; son, Phillip R. Deckard II (wife, Jacque) of Martinsville, IN; son-in-law, Mike Arthur of Martinsville, IN; brother-in-law, Richard Arnett of Bloomington, IN; six beloved grandchildren, Danielle Ferguson (husband, Ryan), Shawna Clark (husband, Jeff), Heather Randolph (husband, Jason), Kaleb Pope, Merideth Deckard, and Karlee Arthur; and twelve cherished great grandchildren, Emerson, Greyson, T.J., Jackson, Weston, Paxton, Cadon, Sonny, Mikala, Jordyn, Kaleb Jr. and Shiloh.
Along with his parents, Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda F. Deckard on March 5th, 2025; daughter, Renata Arthur on June 11th, 2019; grandson, Phillip R. Deckard III on September 5th, 2021; stepfather, Robert Bourke; brother, Arthur E. Deckard and sister, Irene Arnett.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM and on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. A service led by his loving family will begin immediately following the visitation at 11:00 am on Wednesday at the funeral home and he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife with military graveside honors in Clear Creek Cemetery in Bloomington, Indiana.
Contributions may be made in Phil's loving memory to the Martinsville Senior Center or a church or charity of choice. Memories and condolences are encouraged to be shared with the family online at www.nealandsummers.com