July 17 1935 April 17 2020
Emilio’s Obituary Cherished Emilio Decker Jr. passed away April 17, 2020 in San Antonio Texas at the age of 84. He was born on July 17, 1935 in Laredo, Texas to Emilio (Sr.) and Delores (Trevino) Decker. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernadeta Decker; siblings, Yolanda Melendes, Miguel Decker, and step grandson, Rene Anthony Padgett. He is survived by children, Irma Hernandez (wife of Ruben Hernandez), Debra Andrade (wife of Simon Andrade), Milo Decker (husband to Margaret Decker), and Sylvia Alvarado (wife of Carlos Alvarado); grandchildren, Amber O’Con, Ryan O’Con, Justin O’Con, Simon Daniel Andrade, Dominic Andrade, Julianna Andrade, Ashly Decker, Amy Decker, Andrew Decker, Carlitos Alvarado, Celin Alvarado; step grandchildren, Kristy Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Vero Hernandez, Monica Ruiz, and Jessica Gonzales. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Jacob O’Con, Ethan O’Con, Rihanna O’Con, Nathaniel O’Con, Mia Villarreal, Isabella Silvas, Ally Silvas, McKenzie Hill, Isaiah O’Con, Nevaeh O’Con and step great-grandchildren; Thomas Salame, Devon Salame, Markie Salgado and Alexa Whitehead. Also survived by siblings, Rosaria (Chayo) Pena, Juan (El Rogñoso) Decker, Luisa Benavides, Rogelio Decker and Richard Decker; as well as many nieces and nephews; and his treasured friends at Senior Haven Assisted Living Facility. Extremely loyal to his country, he served in the Korean and Vietnam War, and retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant after more than 20 years of service. He retired from his second career at USAA after 15 years. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A devoted father, grandfather, brother and uncle. But most of all, he was a devoted husband, impatient to leave this world to join his beloved wife, Bernie to dance together again in Heaven. He was a genuine Christian soul, always considerate of others, freely and generously giving to anyone who needed his help. He was a gentle spirit and a gentleman, insistent that all people, especially women, be treated with respect. He enjoyed having a beer by the fire smoking his cigars, Friday night barbecues with family and friends, relaxing in the great outdoors by the river, all the while listening to his favorite musical artists Pedro Infante, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Cuco Sanchez, Antonio Aguilar, Marty Robbins, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, and Don Williams. He also enjoyed reading his newspaper from beginning to end, watching Western movies, and Sunday downtimes. He was such a cheerful, harmonious person. Everyone was welcome in his home, and to come along on any adventures with the family. He had a special love for children, making sure they were happy, and that they felt loved and safe. The last years of his life were unfortunately marred by Alzheimer’s Disease which robbed him of his ability to communicate and express himself. A self-educated man, he took pride in being able to intelligently debate and articulate his ideas and beliefs. But even in the fog of Alzheimer’s, his intellect and kindness prevailed. As described in one of his favorite songs “Un Puño de Tierra” – Ay! Que darle, gusto al gusto. La vida pronto se acaba. You must live life to the fullest, for it ends too soon. While healthy, this was the motto he lived by. We will continue living this way, to honor him. Visitation will be held at Castle Ridge Mortuary on Thursday, April 23rd from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only 10 people at a time will be allowed in the chapel. Only immediate family will be allowed in the Chapel during the rosary. Livestreaming (OneRoom) of the rosary will also be available through the following link: www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/ Click “Watch Now” and enter the following: Event ID: Frontdesk@castleridgemortuary.com Password: QCNYCU Visitation will then continue on Friday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. with the funeral procession immediately following to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Again, due to Covid-19 restrictions, only immediate family will be allowed to attend the graveside ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Military Honors to be rendered at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Due to the Declaration on March 16, 2020 by State, County and City Officials, funeral services are limited to 10 guests in the chapel. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Emilio Decker Jr July 17 1935 April 17 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Crystal City, state: Texas