Randy Decker

Randy Mansfield Decker, passed away on June 27, 2009, in Olathe, KS, at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the youngest of five children born to Lena Fern (Nuckolls) Decker and Lloyd Vincent Decker, Jr. Randy was born in Medicine Lodge, KS, where he lived until the age of 3 when his family moved to Denver, CO. Randy graduated from Lincoln High School in Denver in 1972. While at Lincoln, he lettered in gymnastics for three years, was a Brigade S-4 in R.O.T.C., and was a Star Scout and Explorer. Randy was very active in his church's youth group and choir. He also enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, Jujitsu, Karate, and riding motorcycles and unicycles. He was also very talented in both crafting leather and woodworking. He went on to attend Arapahoe Community College where in 1976 he earned an Associate Degree in Science as well as his EMT certification. In 1977, he married Carole Ann Loomis. Randy grew up in Denver and lived there until 1986 at which time he, his wife, and daughter moved to Overland Park, KS.

Randy worked as a Deputy Sheriff for Jefferson County, Colorado before being hired by the Sheriff's Dept. of Johnson County, KS, where he has worked the past 23 years. The past 13 years he has been a Master Deputy Sheriff. He loved working for the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. It was not only his career but his passion. He wanted to serve and make a difference in people's lives. He truly gave all that he had to give in time, dedication, and work ethics.
He is preceded in death by his father Lloyd and brother, Vin. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carole, daughter Sabrina, his mother Fern of Denver, sister GayeAnne Brandt (Fred) of Palestine, TX, brothers Gary (Becky) of Eugene, OR, and Tom (Pam) of Denver, and sister-in-law Becky of Denver, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Randy will truly be missed because he was so loved by everyone. He is now at peace in heaven with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

The family would like to thank all the staff and residents on Unit 3 at Royal Terrace for all of the special care and compassion they showed to Randy. Also, thank you to his Olathe Hospice Nurse, Anita. You are so very special and we will never forget you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to www.pocketpower.org, to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, www.nfcr or to the Mark Hartman Scholarship Fund, 1235 E. Santa Fe Street, Olathe, KS 66061 or the Mark Thomlison Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of Blue Valley, 11935 Riley, Overland Park, KS 66213.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S Blackbob Rd., Olathe, KS. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 10:00 am at College Church of the Nazarene, 2020 E. Sheridan, Olathe, KS. Interment will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 105th and Holmes, Kansas City, MO.