Obituary of Thomas Decker

Thomas E. Decker, 94, of Zion, IL passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL. He was born November 18, 1919 in Springfield, IL and was raised in Alton, IL. In 1939 he enlisted in the United States Navy in St. Louis, MO. While in the Navy he served aboard the USS Hull (DD350) in Pearl Harbor and was on the ship on December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He later served aboard the USS Endicott during the Invasion of Normandy and also during the invasion of Quadalcanal. He was Past President of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association Inc., Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 731, was a 4th Degree member of Cardinal Stritch Council, was a member of Zion-Benton American Legion Post #865, and was a member of Libertyville VFW. He also belonged to the St. Bartholomew Seniors Club and was a member of St. Dismas Catholic Church of Waukegan. Survivors include his son Mike (Pat) Decker of Zion, IL; grandson Shaun Decker of Chandler, AZ; niece Theresa Carringella of Waukegan, IL; nephew Daniel (Dot) Whittenberger of Lake Villa, IL; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanore Decker; brother Jack Decker; and mother Agnes Decker. Visitation will be Monday, July 28, 2014, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dismas Catholic Church, 2600 Sunset Ave., Waukegan, IL, followed by Military Honors. Burial will be private later at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.