H.C.R. No. 76
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Countless lives were touched by the inspiring faith
and leadership of William B. Decker of Abilene, who passed away on
November 13, 2010, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, The son of Laura and John Decker, Bill Decker was
born in Wichita Falls on July 20, 1926; he enrolled at Abilene
Christian University in 1943 but interrupted his education after
his freshman year to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II; he
returned to ACU after the war, served as student body president his
senior year, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Greek New
Testament studies in 1949; he earned a master's degree from Butler
University in Indiana two years later; and
WHEREAS, In 1953, Mr. Decker returned to Abilene Christian
University, where he would spend the next 37 years; initially
employed as an instructor and barracks supervisor, he went on to
serve as an assistant professor in the Bible department for 10
years; he later worked as director of public relations and as an
estate planner in the development office; he subsequently returned
to the Bible department, where he taught Greek and New Testament
studies until his retirement in 1990; in honor of his distinguished
service, he was named an Outstanding Faculty Member in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his life, Mr. Decker preached
throughout Texas and in Indiana, California, and New Mexico, and he
was a longtime elder at Abilene's University Church of Christ;
moreover, he was a strong supporter of missionary work in Central
and South America; and
WHEREAS, For 61 years, he enjoyed the love and support of his
wife, the former Mary Jo "Jody" Carter; together they raised four
treasured children and shared in the joy of welcoming 13
grandchildren into their family; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan will be deeply missed by those
who were privileged to know him, but his selfless contributions
will continue to resonate at Abilene Christian University and
beyond for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of William B. Decker and extend
sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Jody
Decker; to his children, Roma Freeman and her husband, Ray, Major
(Ret.) Bill Decker and his wife, Kathy, Lisa Webb and her husband,
Tom, and Cindy Isenhower and her husband, Donald; to his
grandchildren, Randy Freeman, Robby Freeman, Julie Freeman Haney
and her husband, Robert, First Lieutenant Andrew Freeman, First
Lieutenant B. Alan Decker, Jr., Ashley Decker Hughes and her
husband, Scott, Sarah Webb Rude and her husband, Jason, Thomas
Webb, Laura Webb, Stacey Webb, Larry Isenhower and his wife, Julee,
Anna Isenhower, and Roberta Isenhower; to his sister, Vera
Boatwright; to his brother-in-law, James Carter and his wife,
Wynetta; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
William B. Decker.
King of Taylor
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 76 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 10, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 76 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the Senate on March 14, 2011.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor