Dr. Brian S. Decker, 54, passed away on June 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana after a two-year battle with sarcoma. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on September 25, 1963. Dr. Decker was a nephrologist at Indiana University School of Medicine, and loved caring for his patients at University, Methodist, and Eskenazi Hospitals.
Brian married his one and only love, Peggy Tull on July 1, 1995. They have raised two sons, Scott (19) and Noah (17) who both continue to reside at home. Brian loved being outdoors hiking and exploring with his family and dogs. They enjoyed spending time together and making the most of their memberships at many local museums, parks, and the zoo.
After graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School, he completed degrees in Wildlife Science and Pharmacy and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Purdue University. Brian’s love of learning and call to help people led him to attend medical school at IU. He was Chief Resident at Wishard Hospital in 2003-2004 academic year, a Nephrology fellow from 2004-2007, and joined the IUSM faculty in 2007 in the Divisions of Nephrology and Clinical Pharmacology. While a faculty member, he completed a Clinical Pharmacology Fellowship and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research. He was quadruple board certified in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Hypertension.
He became the IUSM Nephrology Fellowship Training Program Director in 2015. He was an avid teacher of pharmacology and pharmacogenomics to trainees from both IU and Purdue. He fostered Nephrology student interest groups, was on the IU Academy of Teaching Scholars Committee, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, NBME Pharmacology test writing Committee, and a member of the Education Committee for the American College of Clinical Pharmacology.
Brian approached his life, career and family with courage and compassion. Dr. Sharon Moe, the division chief of the IUSM Nephrology Department, reflects: “He always loved teaching and mentoring and fostered the potential for excellence in everyone. He was a great friend to many, and selfless in his volunteerism. He will be deeply missed.”
In addition to teaching and practicing medicine, Brian was a respected Boy Scout leader. He served in several roles over many years, including Scoutmaster of Troop 56 in Indianapolis. Another passion of his was Tae Kwon Do. He earned a second-degree black belt and was a dedicated instructor at the Indianapolis Martial Arts Academy.
Dr. Decker is survived by his wife Peggy (Tull) Decker and sons Scott and Noah (both at home), sister Jan Payne Johnson (Dean) of Lafayette, sister Joy LeBaron (Richard) of Marshall, VA, sister-in-law Melissa Raffelock (TJ) of Granger, IN and mother-in-law Mary Rhe Tull, who he welcomed into his Indianapolis home in 2015. Brian’s nieces and nephews are: John Payne, Jamie Payne, Jennifer Payne (Tyler Tatlock), Justine Hagen (Alex), Jordan Bagnoli (Mike), and Austin Raffelock, Natalie Raffelock, and Lauren Raffelock. Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Kantz Breitwieser.
There will be a multi-faith Celebration of Life for Brian on Saturday June 16th at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 100 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Following the celebration, there will be a light luncheon for fellowship with Brian’s wife Peggy and sons Noah and Scott.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Indiana University School of Medicine Nephrology Division to be used to support fellowship training and personalized medicine activities. Please make IU memorial gifts payable to the “IU Foundation – IUSM” and mail to Indiana University School of Medicine, c/o IU Foundation, P.O. Box 7072 Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Please indicate “In memory of Brian Decker” on your gift, or donate online at https://iufoundation.iu.edu/ .
A Gofundme site to fund education and other ongoing expenses for his family has been created. If you would like to give to this fund, donate online at gofundme.com/decker-family-support-fund.
Jim Bailey says
Dr. Decker was the epitome of a competent, caring and accessible physician. In my three years of being his patient, I find the news of his death to be distressing and frightening. Fighting two stage 4 cancers myself, I am deeply saddened by the loss of an outstanding man, physician, nephrologist. He had so much to offer and was such a joy to work with. I would hope that those people he trained follow his sterling example of how to care for patients. He was the example of how to render top quality medical care.
Meissa Bleu Murphy says
Brian was an extraordinary man, father and family man. Brian was so accomplished on so many levels and yet, he was the most humble individual that I have ever met. Even with his busy intellectual pursuits and heavy work week, Brian would take the time to bring his two sons to piano lessons weekly. Very often Peggy and Brian would bring the boys together. They were an example of a wholesome, beautiful and happy family. Brian was a proud father of Scott and Noah! He supported them in their musical pursuits by his presence at their piano lessons! I am deeply touched by his loss to cancer. Having lost the father of my children when their father was 57, gives me a window into the pain and suffering that a family must endure from such a loss!. Brian was the best of the best in everything that he touched! My heart and love goes out to Peggy, Scott and Noah!
NANCY BURRILL says
I am a past patient of Dr Decker. I was so sad to hear of his passing recently. He was one of the best doctorsI have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was so incredibly sweet and caring to his patients. I was very impressed by his constant need to learn and teach others what he knew. I have Polycyctic Kidney Disease and he encouraged me to get a live donor for my transplant when the time came. My daughter’s best friend gave me a kidney and he came to see me after the surgery. There aren’t very many doctors that would have done that. He was very kind to return calls to patients if they had a quick question. He even txt messaged me regarding a medication for pain just prior to my surgery. He was very instrumental in my daughter and I getting involved in the local chapter of the National PKD Foundation and even inspired us to coordinate the Indianapolis walk for PKD for the past 5 years. He volunteered to come to the walk to speak with patients if needed. He helped my family and I get through one of the most trying times in our lives. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be sadly missed but always have a special place in my heart!
Dr A M Ardalan says
The saddest news of my life.
I found out by getting mail from IU Health Physician on August 04, 2018.
It truly broke my heart.
Dr Brian Decker was kind, gentle , sweet and knowledgeable physician.
He always kept his beautiful smile even after his treatment .
He took good care of my wife and me.
There is no word to express our love & respect to Dr. Brian Decker..
He is truly missed.
Our deepest condolences to his lovely family.
RIP in Heaven