LeRoy E. Decker

DECKER, LeRoy E., age 75, of Fenton, died Monday, April 21, 2008 at Brian's House in Davison surrounded by his wife and family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 o'clock noon Saturday, April 26, 2008 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton, with Rev. Fr. David Harvey celebrant. The family will receive friends 11AM Saturday until time of Mass at church. Burial will take place at St. John Cemetery, Fenton, Michigan. Friends may call at the funeral home 2-5 and 7-9PM on Thursday and Friday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. A Scripture Service will be 7PM Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Decker Coach's Scholarship Award Fund. LeRoy was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 18, 1932 the son of LeRoy Sr. and Christine Decker. He had lived in Fenton since 1958. He married Betty Sipka on August 7, 1954 at St. Cyril's Parish in Bannister, Michigan. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1950 and Central Michigan College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1965. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for forty-nine years. Mr. Decker dedicated his life to the youth of America. He served in education at Holly High School for three years before going to Fenton where he served thirty-seven more years until his retirement in 1995. He served two years of service in the U.S. Army. During his years of educational service, he taught American History, World History, and Physical Education. He served as the Assistant Principal of Fenton High School from 1965 to 1970 and coached all sports. He was known as Fenton's "Mr. Basketball" for thirty years, earning induction in the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Hall of Fame in 1985, the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He was the only high school coach in Michigan to be selected coach of the year in both Boys and Girls Basketball. In 1988 former athletes honored Mr. Decker by establishing the LeRoy Decker Coach's Scholarship Award. The award stands for enthusiasm, hustle, and determination. He was a charter member of the National High School Coaches Association, the Michigan High School Coaches Association, and lifetime member of the BCAM. He served on the Greater Flint Hall of Fame Board for many years. He served as manager-coach for numerous Little League Champions locally and statewide. After retirement, Mr. Decker loved playing softball in the Senior Leagues in Flint, Detroit and in Arizona. Although he attained many professional accolades, his proudest accomplishment was his loving family. He was a family man first and foremost. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 54 years Betty, daughter, Debbie Coleman and husband Ed of Holly; sons, Darby L. and wife Julie of Tawas, and Drew L. and wife Karen of Tawas; eight grandchildren, Lisa Taylor and husband Nathan; Derek Hillman; Nicole Foor and husband Randy; Desiree and Darby Decker II, Drew Jr., and Dylan Decker; Nicole Coleman; great-grandchildren, Chloee, Kirsten, and Randie Foor; Derek Jr. and Anna Hillman; Alaina Taylor; brother, R.G. Decker and wife Nancy of Flushing; brother-in-law, Louis Sipka of Owosso; and sister-in-law, LaVone Suski of Owosso. He was preceded in death by his parents, and great-grandson Alex. The family is being served by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel. You can share your thoughts and memories on the Obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com