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
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Casey Joins Land Bank, Secures EPA Grant for Sewer Planning
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod
Casey Targets Two Dilapidated Properties for Remediation
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
Newsom files FOIA request on border patrol’s appearance