Edward L. Decker Jr.

Edward L. Decker died on February 4, 2009 at Gilchrist Hospice Center in Towson, MD, after a long illness of lung cancer. He was 81. Born December 30, 1927 in Hudson, NY, to Edward L. Decker and Irene (Skinion) Decker, he is survived by his wife Elaine (Gardiner) Decker; a daughter, Kathleen Elaine Dorsett and husband, John, of Annapolis, MD; a son, Edward L. Decker III and wife, Laurie, of Joppa, MD; and grandchildren, John T. Dorsett Jr. of Annapolis, Christopher P. Decker of Joppa, MD, Melanie K. Dorsett of Annapolis, MD, and Jennifer M. Decker of Joppa, MD. He was predeceased by his brother, John E. Decker, of Morro Bay, CA in 2001. His son, John Gardiner Decker, predeceased him in a 1976 auto accident.

A graduate of Hudson High, Class of 1945, he served in the U.S. Army after graduation. He graduated from N.Y.S. College of Ceramics at Alfred University in the Class of 1952, with a B.S. Degree in Ceramic Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined PEMCO Corporation in Baltimore, MD and worked on the East Coast and West Coast as a field engineer. The last 25 years at PEMCO, he worked in the Baltimore home office until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Lodge #2534. As a member of the Power Squadron, he did extensive geodetic surveying for NOAA. He enjoyed Elderhostel, traveling and collecting tools.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Joppatowne Christian Church, 725 Trimble Rd., P.O. Box 216, Joppa, MD 21085 or Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Rd., Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.