Doug Decker, 67

Douglas Lyman Decker, age 67, of Centreville, died Thursday May 15, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Sturgis, MI on Sep. 7, 1946 the son of Lyman S. and Marjorie (Loudenslager) Decker. Doug graduated from Colon High School in 1964 and from Western Michigan University in 1967. He was married to his sweetheart, Rita Sue Coomer in Leonidas on July 25, 1964.

Doug first taught school at Clinton High School where he also coached football and basketball. After briefly teaching at Three Rivers, he came to Mendon High School where he taught industrial arts and coached basketball and baseball for over thirty years. During the summer months he engaged in construction and installing swimming pools. Doug loved to watch all sports, especially if his children or grandchildren were participating. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking and yard work.

Doug is survived by the love of his life, Rita Sue; three children, Brian (Johnnie) Decker of Schoolcraft, Scott Decker of Centreville, and Stephanie (Timothy) Rickard of Holt; four grandchildren, Jordan, Zachary, and McKenzie Decker and Hunter Rickard; his mother, Marjorie Decker of Colon; two brothers, Fred (Leslie) Decker of Kalamazoo and Roger (Susan) Decker of Colon; a sister, Debra (Mark) Thornton of Colon; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lyman Decker.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday May 18th at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Memorial services will be 6 p.m. Tuesday May 20th at the Mendon Elementary Gymnatorium, at the corner of Lane and Burr Oak Streets in Mendon. Memorials are suggested to the Hospital Hospitality House of S.W. Michigan, 527 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com