Billy Gene Decker, 91
Updated Service Information as of September 5, 2025.
Billy Gene Decker, 91, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, Illinois. He was born April 18, 1929, in Greenup, Illinois, the son of William E. Decker and Florence A. Roberts Decker. On August 10, 1951, he married Roberta May Kuhn in Marshall, Illinois.
Gene was a U.S. Army veteran and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He worked at Eastern Illinois University as a sub foreman for over 24 years. Gene was a member of the First Christian Church in Casey, Illinois, and American Legion for over 50 years. Gene enjoyed playing dominoes and cards and in the past used to square dance and ride his motorcycle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Roberta Decker of Casey, Illinois; son, William Steven Decker of Charleston, Illinois; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chuck Decker; daughter, Deborah Vernon; brothers, Earnest, Everett, Donald “Max,” and John Decker; and sisters, Rosebud McElravy, Marian Decker, and Janet Cooper.
Memorial service honoring Roberta and Gene’s lives will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Casey First Christian Church with Pastor Adam Solorio officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at Casey First Christian Church, 200 SE 8th Street, Casey, Illinois. Burial will follow in Jack Oak Cemetery, Union Center, Illinois, with graveside military rites by Casey VFW and Martinsville American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be made to Casey First Christian Church, 200 SE 8th Street, Casey, Illinois 62420.
Latest News Stories
Casey-Westfield High School Earns ‘Exemplary’ Designation on State Report Card
Americans prepare to spend $1 trillion this holiday shopping season
Gas prices ahead of Thanksgiving holding steady
Casey-Westfield Board Proposes 2025 Tax Levy, Sets Truth-in-Taxation Hearing
Illinois quick hits: Migrant youth allegedly murdered homeless Chicago man
WATCH: Trump calls Pritzker a ‘fat slob,’ Illinois governor blasts president
Illinois business group warns of ‘backbreaking’ progressive income tax
Illinois tops U.S. in pumpkin production despite recent decline in value
Defense delivers thrilling 30-28 win over Oakwood
Congress moves to restore federal union powers, critics warn of higher costs
Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation
Lake Land College Board Accepts Over $284,000 in STEM and Agriculture Grants