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
Number of service members killed in action rises to six
Bill filed to create Illinois Epstein Files Investigation Commission
Lawmakers request DOJ probe into whether Somali fraud and ICE protests are linked
Questions remain on Trump’s plans for $2,000 tariff rebate checks
Illinois Quick Hits: EPA offers grants to public water facilities
Victims, families support bill protecting victims of sexual assault in schools
Retired military officials warn CMS bidding expansion poses national security risks
Lobbyist: Passenger rail planning bill has no fiscal impact this year
U.S. Supreme Court appears skeptical of drug user gun ban
Illinois job market stalls, more than 300,00 left looking for work
Poll: 47% of U.S. voters oppose bombing Iran
WATCH/EXCLUSIVE: Title IX debate continues with Supreme Court decision pending