Luther Raymond Decker, 82, formerly of Rockford, passed away Friday evening, November 14, 2008, in Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal, IL. He was born April 3, 1926, in Rockford, the son of Lloyd and Elsie Sharp Decker. On March 29, 1947, he married Shirley Vincent in Belvidere. Luther retired after 40 years of service at Mechanics Universal Joint. A WW II veteran of the Army Air Force, he served from 1944 to his discharge in 1946. A longtime Cubs and Packer fan, he had a great love for the outdoors and was especially proud of his vegetable and flower gardens. He was devoted to his family and had a true love for his wife, children, and all the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he could never get enough hugs and kisses from them all. He will greatly missed by his friends and family. A special thanks is extended to all the caring staff of Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal.Survivors include his wife, Shirley; children Diane (Mike) Mandeville and Curtis Decker of Bloomington, Raymond (Linda) Decker of Park Falls, WI, and Daniel Decker of Wausau, WI; 9 grandchildren Kristine, Lori, Shannon, Andrea, Ryan, Katie, Erin, Megan, and Justin; 14 great-grandchildren; and half-sister Zella Schreiber of Elgin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and 2 half-sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church.