A celebration of life service for James David Decker, 95, West Plains, Missouri, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Decker passed away at 11:27 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home.

He was born March 11, 1930, at Winona, Missouri, to Homer Decker and Geraldine Baltz Decker.  On January 11, 1963, he was married at West Plains, to Wanda Jean Thomas, who preceded him in death on July 11, 2021.  He raised his two sisters and loved his family very much.  Mr. Decker was a school teacher for many years; he began teaching in a one room school house before finishing college.  He could teach anything to anyone; one of his favorite sayings was "You never lose your ability to learn."  Mr. Decker was very involved with his family and students and made an impact on many; he loved teaching.

He is survived by one daughter, Sarah Decker, West Plains, Missouri; two granddaughters, Megan Smith and Monica Arter; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Decker Gammon, Springfield, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Greg Gammon and wife, Renee and Libby Dunn, all of Springfield, Missouri.

His parents, wife, one daughter, Ann Collins and one sister, Dixie Decker, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln School Project, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.