Billy Gene Decker, 91

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Democratic lawmakers from California to New York have threatened to redistrict in response to Texas'...
Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Fatal helicopter crash Two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River. The Federal Aviation...
New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably

New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new poll shows that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s approval rating has flipped negative for the first time....
WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question

WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the FBI gets involved in locating Texas Democrats hiding out in states like Illinois, Gov. J.B....
WATCH: Illinois State Fair: Affordable fun backed by $140M in taxpayer funding

WATCH: Illinois State Fair: Affordable fun backed by $140M in taxpayer funding

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The 2025 Illinois State Fair is being praised for its affordability and accessibility to families across...
Op-Ed: State lawmakers gut Emmett Till Day bill, expose Illinois’ corruption problem

Op-Ed: State lawmakers gut Emmett Till Day bill, expose Illinois’ corruption problem

By LyLena D. Estabine | Illinois Policy InstituteThe Center Square July 25, 2025, would have marked Illinois’ first Emmett Till Day, a commemoration of the 14-year-old Chicagoan whose 1955 lynching...
Democratic PACs being investigated for bankrolling AWOL Texas House Democrats

Democratic PACs being investigated for bankrolling AWOL Texas House Democrats

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Democratic political action committees are being investigated by state, and potentially federal, authorities over claims they...
Pritzker: Chicago mayor 'never once called' to oppose pension bill

Pritzker: Chicago mayor ‘never once called’ to oppose pension bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson never called him to oppose a pension bill...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 7th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 7th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop continues his coverage...
Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County, Chicago declare flood disaster Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have issued respective disaster...
Doudna Logo

Doudna Fine Arts Center 2025/2026 Season Announcement

The 2025/2026 season kicks off at the end of the month! Check out everything we have in store for you. You can find the link below to buy tickets. Doudna...
Screenshot

Search for New Casey Utility Superintendent Narrows to Five Candidates

The search for Casey’s next utility superintendent is moving into its final stages, with the city narrowing a pool of 25 applicants down to five finalists. The candidates are vying...
Casey Rotary Logo.2

Daughhetee, Winnett inducted into Casey Rotary Club

Casey’s Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee (left) was inducted into the Casey Rotary Club by visiting District Assistant Governor Bill Malone at the July 29 regular...
WATCH: IL Republican pushes for TX quorum rules that Pritzker hails as ‘hero’ move

WATCH: IL Republican pushes for TX quorum rules that Pritzker hails as ‘hero’ move

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Gov. J.B. Pritzker jokes on national TV that Illinois’ congressional maps were drawn by kindergartners, a...
Screenshot

Casey Cracks Down on Blighted Properties, Considers Parental Responsibility Ordinance

The City of Casey is intensifying its efforts to combat blight, taking formal action against a dilapidated property on East Madison Avenue and considering new measures to hold parents accountable...