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
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker talks Bears stadium with NFL commissioner
Op-Ed: Oversight faps in federal drug program put Illinois’ independent practices at risk
War of words reignites with Trump, Pritzker, Bailey
Judge won’t let ConAgra off hook in class action over fish fillet brine
Tuberville, Jones to face off in Alabama governor’s race
Congressional candidates discuss immigration, tax policies
Trump-endorsed Gallrein outs Massie in Kentucky
U.S. House defies Senate, weakens private equity restrictions in housing bill
Illinois Quick Hits: Group files lawsuit against gun owner ID law
Pritzker touts EV plant in Normal, Bailey says taxpayers bear the burden
State Supreme Court hears arguments over Uber forced arbitration
Vance defends DOJ’s nearly $1.8B ‘weaponization’ fund
Vance highlights ‘progress’ in Iran negotiations, floats additional fighting