Howard Franklin Decker

On Wednesday, March 13th 2024, Howard F. Decker passed away. He was surrounded by his family. He was survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Helen. His three children, Phillip and Beth Wright, Bryan and Amy Klitz and Mark Decker. Three grandchildren, Brenden Klitz, McKenna Klitz and Caitlin Wright. His brother Chris Decker, and a sister Dianne Decker. Howard was born in Frackville, Pa on June 25th 1942. He was the son of Naysh and Anna Swoyer Decker. He was fortunate to grow up in a loving family with 5 sisters and one brother.

Howard graduated from Immaculate Heart High School in Fountain Springs, Pa. After High School he joined the Navy and served on the USS Newport News. Howard then joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1966. He loved being a policeman. During his career, he mainly worked as a criminal investigator and attained the rank of sergeant. He was the first Director of the newly formed Missing Persons Unit. He retired in 1993. Howard was an energetic person and knew he wanted to continue working, and decided to start a painting company The Finishing Touch. He painted many homes in the Harrisburg area.

Howard loved playing tennis, he was fortunate to live across from the tennis courts when he was growing up. He was considered All Park in Frackville. He played into his seventies. He coached his son's baseball teams, attended swim meets, football games, gymnastic meets and piano recitals. He also was an avid Notre Dame fan. In the fall, he would be watching it on TV or listening to it on the radio.

Everyman dies, but not everyman lives. Howard had a wonderful life and did live.

A celebration of life will be held at the Army Depot, New Cumberland, PA, at the Riverside Ballroom on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM. If you plan on attending, please RSVP to [email protected] by April 30, 2024.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Decker family.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.