Timothy Joseph Decker, “the Boy with Nine Lives,” passed away in his sleep, Tuesday, November 10, 2015 after nine courageous years battling numerous illnesses. He was the only child of Edward and Dorothy Decker (both deceased). Tim was born in Indy and raised in Fountaintown, working local farms in the summer and attending Triton Central H.S. He attended Huntington College for two years, earned his BS at Purdue and Masters in Environmental Sciences at Ball State. At Purdue, he was a member of Sigma Pi and the baseball team. He met his wife, Cheryl (Duckworth) at the Bull Dog in 1981. They married Oct. 9, 1993 amid friends, family, and a grateful mother-in-law, who all couldn’t believe it all was finally happening! Tim retired from the State Department of Health after 33 years of dedicated service, making our lakes, waterways, and homes safe. All counties in Indiana have Tim to thank for his endless work. He is survived by hundreds of friends and ex-coworkers, his “adopted” family, Cheryl’s brother & sister-in-law, five nephews, nine great nephews and nieces, one great great “bun in the oven” and all of their extended families will miss him dearly. His beloved dog, Molly, and “fat cat” Snowbell, will miss their Daddy. Tim loved ISDH golf league, Purdue football games, Purdue Mens’ and Womens’ basketball, bowling league, Indiana and Reds baseball, boating on Lake Freeman, planning a party, beer with a good Bratwurst, Rock & Roll, The Indy 500, The Indiana State Fair and the love of his animals, friends, and family.
Special thanks to the 3rd floor cardiac unit at St. Vincent’s, all the folks at Prairie Lake, Rev. George and the St. Vincent Hospice Center for their restful environment and caring hearts. Special love to all who came to see him at hospice, the Huntington Boys, The Purdue Boys, his Golf and Bowling buddys and anyone else who kept him going.
A Celebration of His Life will be announced at a later date. For more details please check his online guest book at www.indianafuneralcare.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s name to Veterans Golfers Association, PO Box 954, Southern Pines, NC 28388 or the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Office of Advancement, Lynn Hall, Room 1177A, 625 Harrison St, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
“Go Boilers!”
Rob De Beck says
I’m very sorry for your loss. We will miss him at our IEHA and ISDH gatherings. I hope all your memories of Tim are good ones. I’ll always remember him as someone who did a great deal for public health and for IEHA.
Patricia Fowler says
We are so sad of the family’s loss. Tim was loved by many. We will miss this Blues Brother.
Hugh Smith says
Tim was a great guy. So sorry for your loss, Chery
Teresa Watson says
Cheryl – I was so sad to learn Tim had lost his battle. I choose to remember happy, laughing times with him on the 5th floor at ISDH. Like the day he came to thank me for the RICK MOUNT AUTOGRAPH and I handed him my phone – and on the other end of the line was Rick Mount himself. He floated for days after that. We shared many good times discussing Rick and Purdue sports in general. A life well lived and a courageous battle fought. Rest in peace good guy. You will be missed.
Marie Taylor says
Ducky – I’m so sorry for for “our” loss. Not only was he your Tim, but he was “everyones” who came in contact with him. His incredible personality will be missed by so many.
Love to you,
Marie Atkins Taylor
John E Hiatt says
So sorry for your loss Ducky….Have considered Tim an Incredible Man to endure the Illness he suffered and you an Incredible Wife to be able to assist him. Know now His suffering has ended and he is in a Place at Peace and with God. One day you will be united…But his memories will be something you can Behold Forever…God Bless you……
John
Larry Keeling says
I didn’t know Tim, but it sounds like he was an awesome guy. MY condolences, Cheryl.
Rich & Linda Tensmeyer says
Ducky – so grateful for the celebrations we’ve had with you and Tim, including the recent Conner Prairie Bash. “When you walk through a storm…”
Nancy Balzerick Chastain says
Dear Cheryl,
Please accept my condolences on the death of your sweet Tim. It was easy to see the love you have for each other. Tim was always a sweetheart and great person as part of the choir. Now he’s part of the best choir going….whether he can sing or not. Love to you.
Ron Elkins says
I was sorry to see that Tim had passed away. Tim was a good high school buddy of mine at Triton Central. He was a true friend, a person you could count on. We had many laughs and good times.
Pat Thomas says
Cheryl-I’m so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. I know he had a long hard battle. Mickey Carr was kind enough to keep us up to date on what was going on with Tim. I’ll always have fond memories of him, especially the IEHA Fall Conferences – and especially the “Sister Act”.
Christie Menze says
Tim was such a special person. He managed to combine environmental professionalism with great charm and warmth. I will never forget his twinkling eyes, signature raspy voice, and his ever present sense of humor. He was always there to help with IEHA activities and I will forever be grateful for his unforgettable performances as a Blues Brother at our conferences. Will will all miss him.
Gary Rogers says
Cheryl, It is with great sorrow of hearing of Tim passing. I will miss him very much!! I worked with Tim several years as he helped me deal with sewage problems when I was with the Hendricks County Health Department. I also enjoyed seeing him at the IEHA fall conferences and playing many golf games with him. We will miss him so much!!!! Gary Rogers
Tom & Joann Ulsas says
Cheryl, You and Tim were made for each other. We cherish the friendship that Tim and our son Chris. Chris was greatly enriched to have had this relationship.
Tom & Joann
Patty Nocek says
It was 2002 at Jason LeMaster’s IEHA Fall Conference in Layfayette–I remember this like it was yesterday. I had just started getting into helping out at conferences but still feeling a bit of a loner. I was sitting at a table by myself in the lounge, and Tim came in with a pack of IEHA friends having just returned from playing golf. They all sat down at a table together laughing and chatting. Tim looked up and said “Hey Patty come over here and join us!” I did, and it was great fun. I can’t remember what I did last week, but I will never forget Tim’s inclusion of me that day. Tim embodied the spirit of IEHA–everything I feel today about IEHA. Tim helped me find that specialness, and I thank him for it.
Bob Milligan says
Cheryl – So sorry to hear of Tim’s passing and even more sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate his life. Know you have friends in Texas thinking of you.