August 22, 1944 – April 16, 2012

Donald James Decker finished his earthly journey on April 16, 2012 to enter his heavenly home.

He was born August 22, 1944, to Glenn and Elizabeth Decker of Corvallis, OR. He grew up on the family farm and was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. As a youth he attended a revival in Philomath, OR, and accepted Christ as his Savior. This very important decision was a life-changing event for him.

Donald graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. In 1968, he married Suzanne Whitney. After graduation they moved to Reno, NV, where they attended the University of Nevada. Don went to graduate school at MacKay School of Mines where he earned his Master’s degree in geology. His geology career spanned over 40 years in Nevada, Alaska, and Oregon where he searched for gold, silver, barite, and other precious metals. A gifted geologist and successful businessman, he developed his own mining related companies: Decker Exploration, Century Gold, LLC, Faith Land, Faith Land and Minerals, and participated in American Innovative Minerals, LLC.

After moving to Winnemucca, NV, in 1973, he became the proud father of Russell (wife, Lori), followed by Mary in 1977 (husband, Dustin Baker), Amy in 1980 (husband, Nathan Gillespie), and Matthew in 1984 (wife, Melodie). Don often read to them and wore out Picture Bibles as they were growing up. He loved each of his children very much and was proud of the adults they have become. In 1986, he and his family built a home in Lamoille, NV. Don and his family relocated to Corvallis, OR, in 1989. In 1991, he earned another Masters degree in Christian Leadership from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, OR. He and Suzi moved back to Elko, NV in 1998.

Later, grandchildren came to delight his life as well – Jared, Emily, and Ethan Decker, Kase Baker, and Digeo Decker. Don showed them how to pan for gold and garnets from the Ruby Mountains and taught them basic geology. He loved playing games and wrestling with them.

His gift of giving was another source of joy for him. He encouraged many to venture into short-term mission work and supported long-term missions in a variety of countries for his Savior and Lord. He was privileged to travel to Mongolia and China on mission trips with Campus Crusade for Christ and The Jesus Film Project. He enjoyed giving to help build churches in various countries and funding education for future Christian leaders through Multnomah University and various Christian schools. One of his favorite Bible verses was, ”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

He is survived by his wife, Suzi, children, grandchildren, brothers Van Decker of Corvallis, OR, and Everett Decker of Culver, OR, and their families.

Memorial Services to be held at Northwest Hills Community Church, Corvallis, OR on Monday, April 23, 2012, at 2:00 p.m, and Elko Senior Center, Elko, NV on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Don’s memory to: The JESUS Film Project, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222 – Multnomah University, 8435 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97220.