Beloved husband, father, and friend, Don Lee Decker passed away September 2, 2014 at the age of 84. His sudden and unexpected death from a ruptured aorta has left us deeply sorrowful. Lee was born June 23, 1930 in Manti, Utah, to Virgil Mahonri and Edith Pearl Kjar Decker. He cherished his formative years in Manti, and the many endearing relationships and lasting memories he gained there. From 1950 to 1953 he served an LDS mission to Denmark. He talked highly of those 2 Ω years and the indelible mark for good they left on his life. Following his mission, Lee served in the army, stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. While in the service, he met Jo Ann Dunman, a young lady from West Virginia, at a church dance in Durham, North Carolina. They married September 19, 1955 in the Manti Temple. To them were born two children, Linda and Larry. Lee worked at the old Hercules Powder Company in Magna, and then for 25 years as an internal auditor at First Security Bank. As a devoted member of the LDS Church, Lee served in the LeGrand Ward bishopric, Park Stake high council, and as the high priest group leader and instructor. He loved teaching church history and discussing gospel principles. He studied at Snow College and BYU, and for many years enthusiastically attended BYU football and basketball games as a season ticketholder. He read the newspaper every day, enjoyed discussing politics and current affairs, liked watching sporting events on TV, and felt invigorated in his near daily walks around Liberty Park. Lee loved his neighbors, ward members, friends, and most of all his dear family, both immediate and extended.
Lee is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, and children, Linda and Larry. His mother and father preceded him in death, as did his two brothers, Boyd and Curtis Decker, and sister, Carol Young.
A viewing will be held Friday September 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 in the 31st Ward (formerly LeGrand Ward) building at 1078 McClelland Street in Salt Lake City. The funeral will be Saturday September 6 at 11:00, also in the 31st Ward building, with a viewing one hour prior.
