David Decker

David Decker, 87, of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at IU Health Arnett Hospital, surrounded by loving family. Dave was born February 12, 1938, in Lafayette, to the late Ted and Elda (Beickman) Decker. Dave graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1956, where he also met the love of his life, Joyce Craig, who he married on September 4, 1959 at St. James Lutheran Church. Dave attended Purdue University and graduated in 1960 with a degree in Pharmacy. Dave and Joyce spent the early part of their 65+ year marriage in Alabama at Fort McClellan, where Dave served in the Army from 1960-63. After Dave's military service, he and Joyce lived throughout Indiana, including exotic locations such as Frankfort, Miami, and Peru before settling in Indianapolis, all the while pursuing their careers, raising five children and being deeply involved in their churches and communities. Dave's career as a pharmacist spanned more than five decades, including 25+ years behind the counter and as a District Manager with Hook's Drug Stores in Indianapolis. He loved serving his customers and community, and to meet Dave meant you felt the warmth of his big smile, and the sincerity of his interest in how your day was going. At their retirement, Dave and Joyce moved to Fairhope, AL, where they spent endless hours beach-combing, exploring local shops and cuisine, and embracing southern living for over 25-years. Dave and Joyce were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fairhope, where they forged truly special relationships within the congregation. They relocated back to West Lafayette in 2022, settling into Westminster Village, where they were blessed to live next door to siblings and countless friends, both new and from their childhood years. As a true Boilermaker, Dave bled black and gold and relished the countless trips to campus he got to share with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Dave is survived by his children, Jeff (Tamara) Decker, Todd (Carol) Decker, Jodi (Patrick) Hardin, Derek (Shannon) Decker, and Jeremy (Raleigh) Decker, as well as seven grandchildren and one great grandson. Also surviving are Dave's siblings, Steve (Linda) and Diane. Dave was preceded in death by his beloved Joyce in 2023, with whom at this moment he is no doubt holding hands, walking a beach, and smiling ear-to-ear as they marvel at the blessed life they shared together. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Dave's name to either St. James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati St., Lafayette, IN 47901 or Redeemer Lutheran Church, 200 S Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati St. Lafayette, IN with Rev. John Bombaro PhD officiating. A reception will follow from 1:30pm until 3:30 pm at Westminster Village, 2741 N. Salisbury St. West Lafayette, IN 47906