George Decker

George Earl Decker, 76, of Coolidge, AZ, passed away December 1, 2023 after a very unexpected brief illness. George was born in Florence, AZ on Flag Day, June 14, 1947 to George F. and Betty Ward Decker.

George grew up in Florence, Arizona. His Sophomore year of high school his parents moved to Holbrook, AZ., for his father's job as Motor Vehicle Inspector. The move was a hard adjustment for George, leaving his friends behind.

George graduated from Holbrook High School in 1965. He attended Grand Canyon College (now University) until he decided college just wasn't for him. He loved the military and he felt that joining the ARMY was the answer for him. He enjoyed being in the ARMY and loved being a crew chief on a helicopter. He thought of making the military a career but when his father passed away during his tour of duty George felt he was needed at home. When he was Honorably Discharged in April of 1969 he headed

home to Holbrook.

When he got home he took on some odd jobs, including working with his Uncle Buzz DoBell, drilling wells. Then came the opportunity to join the police force in Coolidge, AZ. He found that he really loved law enforcement and working back in his familiar area with folks he had grown up with was a bonus for him. He still had family in Coolidge and Florence.

In September of 1970, while on a visit with his mother in Holbrook she introduced him to Susan Van Pelt. George was smitten and after a short, long-distance courtship, George and Susan were married on March 24, 1971. They were a perfect match, devoted to one another and inseparable.

George had many interests. He loved music. He had a beautiful baritone voice and enjoyed singing in his church choir. During his time at Grand Canyon College he got an opportunity to perform in their production of "The Messiah", which was a real joy for him.

Mostly George was a homebody. He loved his home and yard so much. He was his own handyman and gardener.

George preferred security work. Over the years he worked at several different prisons in Florence and Eloy, AZ. He was a security guard for Magma Copper in Superior, AZ until their big lay off. For a short time he worked as a long haul truck driver for Swift but because it took him away from home and Susan too much he left it after 18 months. Following his retirement from working at the prison at Eloy he decided

that retirement gave him too much idle time when he was able bodied and could work and earn something. He decided to go back to work a few more years as a security guard at the Florence Copper Mine. He finally retired permanently in 2018.

Always a true, devout Christian, George truly walked the walk. He loved his country and kept up on current events. Another pastime was reading about and studying Bible history. Talking to him about the bible was very informative and interesting.

George is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan; sister, Judith (Jim) Crowther of Taylor, AZ; half brother, Christopher Decker of Snowflake, AZ; Aunt, Beverly DoBell of Willcox, AZ; some very special cousins who were as close to him as siblings; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at Owens Livingston Mortuary~White Mountain Chapel, 320 N 9th St, in Showlow, Arizona, with a viewing one-hour prior.

Burial to follow at the Show Low Cemetery.