Decker, Jacob T. (1873-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Oct 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1873 Jan 6

text of obituary:

JACOB T. DECKER

Jacob T. Decker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tobias Decker, was born in Polish Russia Jan. 6, 1873. He was baptized and received into the Mennonite church in Russia in his youth. He emigrated to the United States with his grandparents in1891, when he was 18 years of age.

Later he was married to Lena Decker, daughter of Benjamin Decker. This union was blessed with four children, one daughter and three sons. The daughter and two sons passed away in infancy. In 1918 Mr. Decker experienced the loss of his wife. On Oct. 6, 1920, he was united in marriage to Lena Koehn of Cimarron, Kansas, with whom he shared life for 27 years and seven months.

In April 1954, Mr. Decker came to make his home at Fredonia, Kan. with his son. the following March he entered the Barker Nursing Home in Fredonia.

On Sept. 29, 1956, he was admitted to the St. Margaret's Mercy Hospital of Fredonia, and passed away Oct. 2, 1956, at the age of 83 years, nine months, and 26 days.

Mr. Decker is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Decker of Fredonia; a granddaughter, Betty Virginia Decker of Minneapolis, Minn.; a grandson and wife, 1st lt. and Mrs. Paul Eugene Decker, presently in Japan; a great granddaughter, Deborah, also in Japan, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite Church of Fredonia, Kansas on Oct. 5, 1956. Rev. Willard A. Schrag officiating. Burial was made in the Halstead, Kan. cemetery.