Decker, Donald James Obituary

Decker, Donald James attended Corvallis High School in Corvallis, OR. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Decker, Donald James.

Graduation Year	Class of 1962
Date of Passing	Apr 16, 2012
About	Donald James Decker, 67, after a short season of cancer, finished his earthly journey on Monday, April 16, to enter his heavenly home. He was born to Glenn and Elizabeth Decker of Corvallis. he grew up on the family farm on Decker Road and was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America throughout his school years. As a youth, he attended a revival in Philomath and accepted Christ as his Savior. This very important decision was a life-changing event for him. He attended local Corvallis schools and graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. In 1968, he married Suzanne Whitney from Fortuna, California. After graduation in 1969, they moved to Reno, Nevada, where they attended University of Nevada. Don went to graduate school at Mackay School of Mines (now known as Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering), where he earned his master's degree in geology. His geology career spanned the next 40-plus years in Nevada, Alaska, and Oregon, where he searched for gold, silver, barite and other precious metals. Over time he acquired many interesting and compelling mining properties. A gifted geologist and successful businessman, he developed his own mining-related companies: Decker Exploration, Century Gold LLC, Fath Land, and Faith Land and Minerals, and participated in American Innovative Minerals LLC. After moving to Winnemucca, Nevada in 1973, he became the proud father of Russell, who is now married to Lori; followed by Mary in 1977, now married to Dustin Baker; Amy in 1980, now married to Nathan Gillespie; and Matthew in 1984, now married to Melodie. don often read to them, and wore out picture Bibles as they were growing up. He loved each of his children so very much, and was proud of the adults they have become. the family lived in various northeast Nevada locations before settling predominantly in the Elko area. In 1986, he and his family built a home in Lamoille, Nevada. The Ruby Mountains were a wonderful view from their home, and over the years, he and his family enjoyed many outings there. Don and his family relocated to Corvallis in 1989. In 1991, Don earned another master's degree, in Christian Leadership, from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland. He and Suzi moved back to Elko in 1998. Later, grandchildren came to delight his life as well: Jared, Emily and Ethan Decker; Kase Baker and Diego Decker. As each grew, Don was able to show them how to pan for gold as well as garnets from the Ruby Mountains, and teach 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 people to venture into short-term mission work and supported many on long-term missions in a variety of countries for his Savior and Lord. he was privileged to travel to Mongolia and China on short-term mission trips with Campus Crusade for Christ and JESUS Film Projects. He enjoyed giving to help build churches in various countries, as well as funding education for future Christian leaders and workers through Multnomah University and various Christian schools in Oregon and Nevada. 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) "As a family, we have a huge deposit in heaven with our husband and father and grandfather." He is survived by Suzi, his wife of 43 years; children; grandchildren, and brothers Van Decker of Corvallis and Everett Decker of Culver, and their families. A memorial service is set for 2pm Monday, April 23 at Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, and at 2pm Friday, May 11 at Elko Senior Center in Elko. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Don's memory to the JESUS Film Project, PO Box 62822, Orlando, FL 32862-8222; Crown Financial Ministries, Lawrenceville, GA; Young Life Foundation, Colorado Springs, CO; .... Santiam Christian Schools, 7220 NE Arnold Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97330.