Donald James Decker, after a short season of cancer, finished his earthly journey and entered his heavenly home on April 16, 2012. He was born August 22, 1944 to Glenn and Elizabeth Decker of Corvallis, OR. He grew up on the family farm on Decker Road and was involved in 4H and Future Farmers of America throughout his school years. As a youth he attended a revival in Philomath, OR and accepted Christ as his Savior. This very important decision was a life changing event for him.
He attended local Corvallis schools and graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. In 1968, he married Suzanne Whitney from Fortuna, CA. After graduation in 1969, they moved to Reno, NV where they attended University of Nevada. Don went to graduate school at MacKay School of Mines (now known as Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering) where he earned his master's degree in Geology.
His geology career spanned the next 40 plus years in Nevada, Alaska, and Oregon where he searched for gold, silver, barite, and other precious metals. Over time he acquired many interesting and compelling mining properties. A gifted geologist and successful businessman, he developed his own mining related companies: Decker Exploration, Century Gold, LLC, Faith Land, Faith Land and Minerals, and participated in American Innovative Minerals, LLC.
After moving to Winnemucca, NV in 1973, he became the proud father of Russell (married to Lori), followed by Mary in 1977 (married to Dustin Baker), Amy in 1980 (married to Nathan Gillespie), and Matthew in 1984 (married to Melodie). Don often read to them and wore out Picture Bibles as they were growing up. He loved each of his children so very much and was proud of the adults they have become. The family lived in various northeast Nevada locations before settling predominately in the Elko area. In 1986, he and his family built a home in Lamoille, NV. The Ruby Mountains were a wonderful view from their home and over the years he and his family enjoyed many outings there.
Don and his family relocated to Corvallis, OR in 1989. In 1991, he earned another master’s degree in Christian Leadership from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, OR. He and Suzi moved back to Elko, NV in 1998.
Later, grandchildren came to delight his life as well - Jared, Emily, and Ethan Decker, Kase Baker, and Digeo Decker. As each grew, he was able to show them how to pan for gold as well as garnets from the Ruby Mountains and teach them basic geology. He loved playing games and wrestling with them.
His gift of giving was another source of joy for him. He encouraged many people to venture into short term mission work and supported many on long term missions in a variety of countries for his Savior and Lord. He was privileged to travel to Mongolia and China on short term mission trips with Campus Crusade for Christ and The JESUS Film Projects. He enjoyed giving to help build churches in various countries as well as funding education for future Christian leaders and workers through Multnomah University and various Christian schools in Oregon and Nevada. One of his favorite Bible verses was, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. As a family, we have a huge deposit in heaven with our husband and father and grandfather.
He is survived by Suzi, his wife of 43 years, children, grandchildren, brothers Van Decker of Corvallis, OR and Everett Decker of Culver, OR, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Don’s memory to :
· Biblica 1820 Jet Stream Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80921
· The JESUS Film Project PO Box 628222 Orlando, FL 32862-8222
· Crown Financial Ministries 1035 Old Peachtree Road NW Lawrenceville, GA 30043-3309
· Young Life Foundation P.O. Box 520 Colorado Springs, CO 80901-0520
· Spring Creek Christian Academy 285 Spring Creek Parkway Spring Creek, NV 89815
· Multnomah University 8435 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97220
· Santiam Christian Schools 7200 NE Arnold Ave Corvallis, OR 97330
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