Alva Decker
HESSTON -
Alva Decker, 96, passed away Saturday (Nov. 17, 2007) at Newton Medical Center.
Alva was
born Feb. 27, 1911, to Tobias and Mary (Unruh) Decker in Roxsbury. He grew up
near Roxsbury and moved to Newton in 1947.
Alva worked
as an independent contractor for the Santa Fe Railroad for 12 years. He also
was active in the school systems within Newton. Alva was a farmer during his
lifetime and worked actively within the local school systems, serving as a
maintenance employee of the Newton school districts for a long period of time.
He was a crossing guard at Cooper Elementary School and Sunset Elementary. His
wife, Frances, also had participated in the school safety activities with him.
Alva was a
charter member for the Newton Bible Church for 50 years. He accepted Jesus as
his savior in 1931 in a tent revival. After the service, his mother-in-law,
Angus Ratzlaff, led him to the Lord. He was very faithful to his church and his
family for many years.
He is
survived by his wife, Frances Decker of Hesston; son and daughter-in-law
Glennon and Julia Decker of Sun City West, Ariz.; son and daughter-in-law Bryan
and Marilyn Decker of Arvada, Colo.; daughter and son-in-law Lola and Don
Hostetler of Chandler, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and six
great-great-grandchildren.
He was
preceded in death by his father, Tobias Decker; mother, Mary Unruh; son, Gymler
Decker; five brothers, five sisters, and two granddaughters.
Visitation
will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Broadway
Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Newton. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8
p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Funeral
service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Newton Bible Church with the Rev. Don
Myer and the Rev. Ted Veer officiating. Burial will be at Restlawn Gardens of
Memory in Newton.
Memorial
contributions can be made to Newton Bible Church or the Union Rescue Mission in
care of the funeral home.
