James David Decker
A celebration of life service for James David Decker, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Decker passed away at 11:27 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home.
He was born March 11, 1930, at Winona, Missouri, to Homer Decker and Geraldine Baltz Decker. On January 11, 1963, he was married at West Plains, to Wanda Jean Thomas, who preceded him in death on July 11, 2021. He raised his two sisters and loved his family very much. Mr. Decker was a school teacher for many years; he began teaching in a one room school house before finishing college. He could teach anything to anyone; one of his favorite sayings was “You never lose your ability to learn.” Mr. Decker was very involved with his family and students and made an impact on many; he loved teaching.
He is survived by one daughter, Sarah Decker, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Megan Smith and Monica Arter; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Decker Gammon, Springfield, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Greg Gammon and wife, Renee and Libby Dunn, all of Springfield, Missouri.
His parents, wife, one daughter, Ann Collins and one sister, Dixie Decker, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln School Project, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
April 14, 2025 @ 3:35 pm
Sarah, Megan/Chris & Smith Family, and Monica/Ron,
My parents, Norris & Ivene Cozort, and I extend our Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of James. My Dad taught in the WP R-7 School District at the same time as your parents and knew them both very well. I had the pleasure of having your Father as my 7th & 8th Grade English Teacher. I have very fond memories of him and those 2 years with him at the WPMS. Your parents enjoyed attending a breakfast for our Reunion one year for the Class of 1981. They not only enjoyed seeing other fellow colleagues but enjoyed the visit with those students from the Class of 1981 as well. Your Father will be missed! At this time we will be keeping each of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God provide comfort, strength, encouragement, and peace to each of you daily. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
Teresa Eldringhoff Romans
April 14, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Godspeed Mr. Decker.
Melinda (Burgess) King
April 14, 2025 @ 10:48 pm
Sarah
My heart breaks for you. Your Dad was never my teacher but he earned the respect of so many people, myself Included.
Let the image of his Heavenly reunion with your Mom and Ann soothe your heart.
Laurie Edwards
April 15, 2025 @ 11:43 am
Mr Decker was the the best teacher I ever had Ann was a close friend of mine all through school I will miss them dearly I am so sorry they have left this world My condolences go to you Sarah and the entire family I
Sandy Thomas
April 15, 2025 @ 2:27 pm
Mr Decker was the greatest teacher in High School and college He never gave up on you
So sorry for your loss, he was a great person
Susan Minge
April 15, 2025 @ 2:57 pm
First time I met Mr. Decker 10 years ago he had made peanut butter cookies and brought them warm to Sarah and all her employees! He made a mean cookie, amazing man. Touched so many lives..
Michael Frommel
April 15, 2025 @ 3:26 pm
I had Mr. Decker as a teacher in West Plains. He was a wonderful teacher who made learning easy and fun. Later in life I became a teacher also and I tried to emulate his style with my students. RIP Mr. Decker and thank you.