Dr. David W. Decker

Dr. Decker was born December 17, 1941, to Jessie and Rex Decker in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He grew up on a farm in Wapello County and attended Farson Schools where he met Donna Duke, the love of his life, who just so happened to live on the same gravel road. Mr. Decker graduated High School in 1959 and from an early age knew he wanted to help people and become a doctor. He enrolled in medical school at the University of Iowa, graduating with honors in 1966.

In 1964, David and Donna were married in Ottumwa and soon he heard the call of duty to his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Their daughter, Denise, was born during this time and shortly thereafter Dr. Decker was shipped off to Vietnam where he provided battlefield medical care to U.S. forces from 1968 to 1970 achieving the rank of Major. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, following his tour of duty.

After returning home from the war, Dr. Decker located his family medical practice in Jefferson, Iowa, where he served the community and region for 41 years, retiring in 2009. Dr. Decker had many interests including raising and showing purebred Hampshire sheep, serving the Greene County 4-H Sheep Producers as a co-superintendent for many years, and taking care of his acreage with large vegetable and flower gardens, which included researching various plant varieties and growing many plants from seed. He dearly loved being out in the garden or on his Kubota when away from the medical clinic. Dr. Decker also loved reading, watching many different TV shows, sporting events (especially Iowa State and Iowa), and seeing his grandchildren’s activities. He especially loved being with his family and going out to eat for special occasions.

He loved his family and will be greatly missed forever. Dr. Decker is survived by his wife, Donna of 53 years; daughter, Denise Hansen and son-in-law Bruce; and grandchildren, Brynn and Dane Hansen, all of West Des Moines. David was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Jessie.

Dr. David W. Decker, 76, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2018, at Edgewater in West Des Moines. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with funeral services on Thursday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will be at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Ottumwa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be distributed at a later date. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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