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
WATCH: Group urges Trump to help save Chicago ‘before it’s too late’
Pritzker signs cryptocurrency bills, sparking debate over protection, innovation
Illinois quick hits: Deadly smash and grab reported; resolution honors Charlie Kirk
WATCH: Sides lay out positions on immigration reform amid increased enforcement
Feds, ‘new sheriff’ descend on Chicago suburb, seize illegal vaping items
WATCH: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in; Freedom Caucus discusses 2026
Illinois quick hits: Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk; new chief judge for Cook County
Dennis Eugene Redman, 81
Leeila S. Ennis, 78
Illinois quick hits: DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville; NFIB optimism index rises
Customs and Border Protection seizes $86.5 million in illegal vapes
WATCH: Pritzker says political violence ‘has got to stop’ in reaction to Kirk shooting