Robert "Bob" Decker

Robert Eugene Decker, “Bob” 94, of Bakersfield, California, passed away on Sunday April 23, 2023 surrounded by his family. Bob was born December 5, 1928, in Peoria, Illinois, to Gilbert Paul Decker Sr. and Lucille Catherine Dunsworth.
He lived in Peoria, Illinois until the age of 17 when his family moved to Bakersfiled, California. He loved California and said he never had a desire to go back to Illinois, so he was very happy about the move. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1946.
While attending East Bakersfiled High School he met his High School Sweetheart, Beverly May Dickson. When Bob asked Bev’s father for her hand in marriage, he told him he needed a job first. So he went out immediately and found a job with Pacific Bell Telephone Company. They were married on April 3, 1948 in Bakersfield, California. In 1952 he enlisted into the Navy and served until 1954. Once out of the Navy he continued to work for the Telephone Company working his way into Management and finally retirement. They had three children: Gail Marie (Jim) Gude, Bill Decker (Tammi) and Robert “Allan” Decker. In 1964 he and Bev moved from Bakersfield to Tehachapi, California. Bev was active in the community with the Art Association and also taught swimming, where she was affectionally referred to as “Sarge”. Bob got his Sons involved in Motorcycle riding and racing and was their biggest supporter. He also loved tinkering in his Garage and working on their 1929 Model A. He and Bev drove the Model A in the Tehachapi parade for many years. He always liked to remain active in sports, he was an avid runner and lifted weights throughout his life. He even took up riding a recumbent bicycle at the age of 92. He and his Sons also did races together. In 1984 after 36 years of Marriage his High School sweetheart Beverly, passed away.
In 1986, Bob surprised everyone when he married Paulette Russel, she was an old friend that he had known for many years. They moved from Tehachapi to Bakersfiled, California and together they raised Paulette’s granddaughter; Melissa Langley. They lived in Bakersfield until Paulette’s passing in 2021. One of their greatest blessings while living in Bakersfield was their neighbor, Manuel San Miguel. Manuel was not only a great neighbor but also a great friend to them both, but Bob considered Manuel to be his best friend. As they aged Manuel was always there to help and kept an eye on them. After Bob moved to Arizona he and Manuel continued to keep in touch by FaceTime. Bob’s face would always light up when he saw Manuel and they immediately started joking around. We know he cherished their friendship.
In August 2021 after the passing of his second wife, Bob moved to Arizona to live with his oldest Son Bill and Daughter-in-law Tammi. He took up riding a recumbent bicycle at the age of 92, which he loved. He said it was much easier to peddle the bike, then it was to walk. He even did a partial 5k on his new bike the first week after he got it. He enjoyed riding nearly everyday and rode up until a week and a half before his passing. Bob loved, spending time with his family, family dinners, eating ice cream and attending his Great Granddaughters sporting events. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. We will also miss his great sense of humor and mischievous laugh.
Bob is survived by his children; Gail (Jim) Gude, Bill (Tammi) Decker and Allan Decker as well as step- children: Diana (Frank) Ripepi and Jacqueline Meares. Grandchildren; Greg Decker, Bobby (Brenda) Decker, James (Meredith) Decker, Ryan Decker, Alex (Brysen) Nixon and Brandon Decker. Angelina and Alexander Ripepi, Melissa (Mikey) Maxwell & Daniel Meares. He also has 6 great grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years and the mother of his children, Beverly, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Gil and Beverly Decker and his second wife of 35 years, Paulette.
Viewing and Services will be held at Basham Funeral Care Chapel on Thursday May 11, 2023 starting at 9:00 AM. Interment will be at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, California