Obituary for Lt. Commander David L. Decker, Sr. (Retired)
Lieutenant Commander David Lawrence Decker, Sr. (Retired) passed away the afternoon of Wednesday, February 17, 2021 in the presence of his two beloved sons, David Lawrence Decker, Jr. of Suffolk, Virginia and Steven Kiernan Decker of West Palm Beach, Florida. He was born in South San Francisco, CA on September 2, 1951, to Barbara Jean (Rebentisch) and Wilbur Eugene Decker, a WWll fighter pilot and aerospace engineer.
David grew up along the coast of California doing the things he loved to do…playing baseball, surfing and golfing. He passed his love of baseball and surfing onto his son David and his love of golf onto his son Steven. As a young adult, David worked hard to educate himself. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in June, 1979. He went on to complete his Master of Science Degree in Health Science, Environmental and Occupational Health at California State University, Northridge, in June, 1981.
Upon graduation David attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and accepted his Commission in the United States Navy, Medical Service Corp. As an Industrial Hygiene Officer he was passionate about his duty to protect the health and safety of our sailors aboard our Navy’s ships and submarines.
He was an intensely private and humble man, never talking about or displaying evidence of his accomplishments. After his passing, it was discovered that he had been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2) and the National Defense Service Medal during Desert Storm. The Units he served with also received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, as well as, the Navy Unit Commendation. His last assignment was with the President Board of Inspection and Survey.
Following his retirement from the Navy, David became employed as an Engineering Technician for the City of Virginia Beach, Public Utilities Department. He survived the mass shooting at Building 2 but was forever changed by it. His health was greatly affected by the trauma of that day.
He will be interned at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in a private ceremony for family and co-workers on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 10:00 am. His children will receive guests at their family home from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.
Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Chesapeake will be caring for arrangements. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Alliance of Mental Health or the American Heart Association.
David grew up along the coast of California doing the things he loved to do…playing baseball, surfing and golfing. He passed his love of baseball and surfing onto his son David and his love of golf onto his son Steven. As a young adult, David worked hard to educate himself. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in June, 1979. He went on to complete his Master of Science Degree in Health Science, Environmental and Occupational Health at California State University, Northridge, in June, 1981.
Upon graduation David attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and accepted his Commission in the United States Navy, Medical Service Corp. As an Industrial Hygiene Officer he was passionate about his duty to protect the health and safety of our sailors aboard our Navy’s ships and submarines.
He was an intensely private and humble man, never talking about or displaying evidence of his accomplishments. After his passing, it was discovered that he had been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2) and the National Defense Service Medal during Desert Storm. The Units he served with also received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, as well as, the Navy Unit Commendation. His last assignment was with the President Board of Inspection and Survey.
Following his retirement from the Navy, David became employed as an Engineering Technician for the City of Virginia Beach, Public Utilities Department. He survived the mass shooting at Building 2 but was forever changed by it. His health was greatly affected by the trauma of that day.
He will be interned at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in a private ceremony for family and co-workers on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 10:00 am. His children will receive guests at their family home from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.
Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Chesapeake will be caring for arrangements. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Alliance of Mental Health or the American Heart Association.