Marvin "Gene" Decker

Marvin “Gene” Eugene Decker, 81, of South Haven, departed this world peacefully surrounded by family members and his faithful Yorkie, Wrigley.  He entered the Heavenly Gates on Friday, October 16, 2020. He was born March 17, 1939 to Cordis and Fannie (Baker) Decker in Leachville, Arkansas. In 1956 Gene married Tolice Martin. They had four children together. After her passing, Gene married Helen Huebner on January 2, 1987 in South Haven and they shared 33 years of marriage.

 Gene worked in the construction field and was a 50-year dues-paying union member. He served on the South Haven Township Planning Commission. He restored classic cars and tractors earning many awards for his efforts. He was an avid Nascar fan and he hoped for the Cubs to win another World Series. His favorite pastime was fishing Lake Taneycomo in Branson, Missouri where he spent weeks at a time. Gene´s proudest accomplishment was Deckerś Mini Farm, a blueberry farm he and his son, Tim, planted together.

 Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Tim Decker, Son-in-law, Bob Hammond, grandson, William Marvin Cowell, and siblings – Jerry, Jim, and Riley Decker, Mary Ruth Reeves, Ruby Harrell, and Brenda Bratton.

 Gene is survived by his wife, Helen Decker, children – Theresa Hammond, Belinda (Curt) Cowell, and Lisa (Sean) McFarland, and daughter-in-law, Pam Decker all of South Haven. Step-children - Jeffrey (Marj) Huebner of Chicago, Illinois, and Jennifer (David) Leard of Houston, Texas. Siblings –Lovie Wolding of Hamilton, MI, Sue Lester of Lake City, AR. and Robin Decker of Manila, AR.  Papaw will forever be in the hearts of his 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

 The legacy Gene leaves is, ¨Family is the most important thing in life! ¨

 Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow visitation at 5:00 PM. Gene will be cremated and a private family burial will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to Marie Yeager Cancer Center, 3900 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.