Charles E. "Pappy" Decker

Charles E. “Pappy” Decker, 83, of Renovo, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Hershey Medical Center.  Born March 29, 1933 in Pleasant Gap, Pappy was a son of the late Harvey and Bessie (Krise) Decker.  On November 21, 1955 he was married to Barbara E. King who preceded him in death in 2007.  Pappy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. 

Pappy was employed at the former Rider Oldsmobile in State College as an auto mechanic.  His employment first began at the Bellefonte dealership before they moved to State College.  In his younger years, Pappy enjoyed fishing and joining the fun at hunting camp.  He was a member of the American Legion Keystone Post # 444 in Millheim, the American Legion Smith Pletcher Post # 779 in Centre Hall and the Smith Sweetwood VFW Post 9975 in Potters Mills.  Pappy collected tab tops for the Ronald McDonald House.  He was an avid player of quarter machines where the prize is stuffed animals.  He would then take bags of the toys to the hospital for the children or to the Legion Christmas parties for the children there.  Pappy considered it a great honor to be a part of the Honor Guard at the VFW and being able to place flags on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day.

Pappy is survived by two daughters, Peggy Sue Fryer (George) of Warren, OH and Bonnie Tipton of Moshannon; one son, Gary E. Decker of Renovo with whom he resided; ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters. 

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, December 29th at the American Legion Smith Pletcher Post in Centre Hall beginning at 1:00 pm.  Pappy will be laid to rest at Centre County Memorial Park in State College at a later date.  Contributions in memory of Pappy may be given to Steven R. Neff Funeral Home, Po Box 437, Millheim, PA 16854. 

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