THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 18, 1996 TAG: 9608180047
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 35 lines
William Joseph Decker Sr., 72, of the 300 block of Duval Street, a retired co-owner of Joe M. Decker Salvage Co., died Aug. 16, 1996, in a Norfolk hospital.
Mr. Decker was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Michael and Mary Zoby Decker, and his youngest son, Anthony W. Decker. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Norfolk.
Mr. Decker was a Marine Veteran of World War II and was the band leader of the Marine Corps Band in Hawaii. He was an accomplished musician and was the former musical director of the Lafayette Yacht Club. He played the bass and was the band leader of the Will Decker Trio, touring throughout the East Coast. He was a member of Sons and Daughters of the Cedars of Lebanon and a graduate of St. Mary's High School. Mr. Decker had a major speaking role in the movie ``Death of Ocean View.''
Survivors include a daughter, Mary Decker Vack of Oakton, Va.; 3 sons, William J. Decker, Jr., Andrew W. Decker, Michael W. Decker, all of Norfolk; 2 brothers, Thomas Decker and Pete Decker, both of Norfolk; 6 grandchildren, Michelle Kraklow, Grace Vack, Lisa Snyder, Yvette Vack, Meghan Decker and Brittany Decker and 4 great-grandchildren, Seth and D.J. Kraklow and Kristin and Zachary Snyder.
A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The family will receive friends in the church beginning at 6 p.m. prior to the Mass. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 1996, at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk, will be handling the arrangements.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB