Joshua Gene Decker
June 7, 1983 - June 20, 2007
Obituary
Joshua Gene DECKER
In loving memory of Joshua who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 24. Joshua was born June 7, 1983 in Richland, WA and passed away June 20, 2007. Joshua was an outdoorsman, he loved camping, playing videos and hanging with his friends. He was even starting to golf. Joshua is survived by his father John Decker, step-mother Kathy Decker, his mom Alice Taylor, step-father James Taylor, his sister Lisia Decker, step-brother Matthew Taylor, his grandparents Ray and Carol Grace and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Joshua was a gift to all of us. He will forever be missed and will remain in our hearts forever. We Love You forever. Visitation Tuesday, June 26, 2007 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Wednesday, June 27, 2007 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM with a 3:00 PM memorial service, Wednesday June 27, 2007 all at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play
tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting had left a void then fill it with remember joy.
A friednship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
my life’s been full, I savored much:
good frends, good times, a family’s loving touch
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
don’t lenthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.
To my loving Josh Aunt Mary
June 26,2007 Josh,
When you were born I was so very frightened because you were sick and the doctor didn’t know what was wrong with you. In the end they said that you had a virus and I was so happy that was all it was, When you started walking you never stopped, you were very hyper and you never looked where you were going so you would run into things. It seemed you always had a big bump on your forehead. As your friends will see all of your pictures, they will notice that you were a chubby baby but once you were walking you started to get skinny and you stayed that way. You and Lisia were always fighting and I always worried that you would grow to hate each other, I’m so glad that you became friends. When you were eleven years old we found out that you had epilepsy and I was frightened all over again. The doctor told us you would most likely grow out of it. When you turned fourteen years old it seemed as though the doctor was right, but at eighteen they started again. You were a sweet baby and you turned into a wonderful caring man. I loved that when we talked on the phone or you came over you always would hug me and kiss me and tell me that you loved me. I am very fortunate to have had a son like you. I feel as though I have lost a part of myself since you are gone and I know that in time it will get better. I will miss you so very much. I know that you are in a better place and you are happy because you aren’t in pain any more.
I love you baby. Always Mom
Dearest John & Kathy,
So many words to say but none that will bring Josh back. As you both walked along Mary with Andrew’s death, there are so many things that we as people who love you just can’t do except to say how very sorry we are. My heart aches for you and what you are going through, I picture you walking through your days as Mary did after Andrew left this world to join the angels. You both & Alicia and your whole family are in my prayers and thoughts. I know Josh is now walking with angels, I also know that that thought doesn’t replace him here on earth. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. John, from what you wrote, Josh was one of the two hero’s in your life, from what I have read and listened to Mary this day…you were Josh’s hero also. That is a very saying of your relationship. From the day we met, nearly 20 years ago, I have always admired both you and Kathy. For what you both do and how you love eachother. My heart is with you and I am so sorry for your pain. All my love, Susie
Josh, Knew you for a while dude you are a great person and will be missed our condolences to everyone whose life you touched……..
Mary, John and Family…My sincere condolence as to the recent passing of Joshua. Please know that prayers are being sent in his memory. I know your family will have fond memories of Joshua’s short life here on earth. Now his maker has called him and has wrapped Joshua in his loving arms. He is at peace.
Love to all, Judith
I don’t know what to say. What can be said? I hope you know you will be missed so, so much. I’ll never call you gangster, nobody ever calls their little brother that. But, I will say that I know you are enjoyin’ that par-tay in the sky. I’ll miss you bro.
We are saddened by the passing of Josh, our thoughts and prayers are with the Decker family. Know that you have a large family of support to call upon through out the tracking community. Bob & Pat Brady
Dear Josh,
I remember when you were born; I was in the police academy in Seattle. You were sure a big baby. I watched you grow up into a man. Doing yard work has never been a big priority for me, but when I would ask you for help. That made it fun, you worked hard and that made me work yard. I enjoyed that time together. I have two heros in my life. The first one is my father, your grandfather. He died four years before you were born. My father loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and shooting. He would have been very proud of you. My other hero is you. When I drive across county, I would call you or you would call me. You helped keep me awake and helped the time pass. I never told you but I received strength from you. I knew that I could depend on you. I am very proud of you; I will cherish our time together forever. You are my hero Josh, you are my son.
God be with you and I will see you again. Love Dad
Joshua will be sorely missed. He will also be remembered as the fun, outgoing person that brought us all to love him so much.
WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!
Cheers! To a life well spent. To love and laughs. And to the sweetest guy I’ve ever known. See you on the other side Joshy. We’ll all miss you
I owe you a letter, but there is not enough paper in the world to say the things that need to be said. We shared something very special that I will never forget. I will always remember the way you hugged me with both your arms tight around my neck, the cute way you would walk across a room, and most of all I will remember how great of a person you are. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to share part of your life, I just wish there was more time.
Josh was a truly good person that always had a smile on his face and had the ability to make those around him smile too. Josh will be greatly missed.
I knew Josh when we were kids. I can remember him always smiling and he loved to pick on me and his big sister when we hung out. He was very sweet and although I didn’t get to know him as an adult, I wish I had had the pleasure. I will forever and always remember him as the cute, smiling, little brother. My prayers are with his family and the night sky got a little brighter with this new addition into heaven. God Bless!
Josh and I were not very close but he was a very happy and wonderful person to be around. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Lisia is right about Josh being a butt-head as a child. He would always bother us when we were trying to play. It’s funny how he’s not much younger than us but at the time it felt like it. When we were in high school Josh and me had a class together, I think it was english. We sat next to each other and would talk everyday while we were in that class. One day we had made a bet about something and he ended up winning the bet but I never got to tell him that because I left school and lost contact with him and Lisia. I’m sure where ever he is that he knows that he won and I’m sure he’ll be expecting his $20 someday, hopefully interest free.
From my family to your I offer all the support and love that you may need. Your family has and will be in my thoughts daily. Josh is now in the most beaatiful place he will have ever seen.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure his memory will continue to be a gift to your hearts
Josh you will be missed and loved by many, you have a lot of great friends and family who’s memories will never go away. Josh you are a great person, you were so outgoing and loved to hang out with all your friends. We all have so many good memories. To Josh’s family, you raised one great guy! RIP JOSH.
Josh was always like a brother to me, he knew how to make me feel good and at the same time would help with problems that I would be having. Josh will always have a place in my heart.
THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE SAID THAT CAN EASE THE PAIN. ALL YOU CAN DO IS LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING AGAIN IN A GLORIOUS PLACE WHERE THERE ARE NO WORRIES. YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. MAY YOU CONTINUE TO BLESS THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
RUTH LEPULE
SEATAC MUNICIPAL COURT
Joshy, my lil’ brother, I miss you sooo much right now. I can’t even think of what to say. I was there at your graduation and your 18th and 21st b-day, your first room-mate.I feel deeply for your family and that includes the network of telemarketing family we have accumulated over the last decade.I love you lil’ brother!
Losing Josh has come as a shock to all of us. Certainly no one who knew him will be unaffected by his death. He and I shared some good converstaions and some good laughs and I, like all his friends and family, will miss him dearly.
I remember when I was younger, Josh was always the cousin who picked on all the girls, and Lisia was always his older sister who came to save us. I have many memories with josh from childhood, up to now. He was an amazing guy, and I couldnt have asked for a better cousin.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose someone, and especially a young life. My prayers and thoughts will be with you at this hard time.
Joshy you were one of the best. Super nice to everyone. They say only the good die young. You truly were good. You wore your big heart on your sleeve and could make any of us smile. I saw this quote and I thought that this is how you would feel…
“Do not stand there at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand there at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.”
-Gwydion
You will live on in all of us forever. Love you, D. Meckle
Josh, When I first met you, you were unsure if I was the right person for your mother. As time went on, you accepted me as a friend and later as your step-father. You always told me to take care of your mother. You also told me you were happy because she was happy being with me. When you died, a part of me died also. Watch after the ones remaining Josh. We need you just as much today as we have always needed you. I will miss you SON.
I miss Josh so much. We were getting really close, I can still hear his laugh in the back of my mind. I’m so thankful that I was able to meet and get to know this fantastic person and I pray that one day I will see him again.
I could always depend on him to answer the phone when I called, just to talk. I love you Josh.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. So very sorry for the loss of this young life. Know that your friends are standing by…thinking of you and ready to support you in any way we can. Love, Sharon
Kathy and your family, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with all of you.
I am so grateful that I had the chance to tell you how much I appreciated our friendship, few times in life we have the opportunity to share special moments with those we care about. It meant so much to me to have you as a friend . You will always have a very special place in my heart.
My family and I are very sorry about the loss of Josh. We can only hope and pray for all around him that are suffering. I appreciate the time that I had working with Josh.
Scott
Josh, Just know that you are an example to all of us on how to be. An honest man is hard to find these days, I hope that someday I’m blessed enough to be friends with someone like you again, but I doubt it. You will always be my brother. I wont let anyone forget.—Steve
I wish I could be there to join my tears with yours. Josh was a great kid who I loved to torment when we were kids. I wish I could have got to know him as the great man I am sure he was to be.
Dear Alice and family,
We met Josh for the first time at Bill’s memorial, but after a few minutes it seemed like we had known each other our whole lives. Josh was so friendly and welcoming. He just had a way about him of making you feel comfortable and at ease. I’m so glad we met and that I have those memories which will live on in our hearts and minds forever. Sending hugs and prayers from Phoenix.
There are no words I can say to heal your heart, but please know my families thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
One is not gone –
Who touched the lives of others in such a warm and caring way.
One is not lost –
Who warmed the lives of all around
With freely given friendship.
One is not forgotten –
Who found the way to others’ hearts And mapped a route to love.
Sharing in your loss.
May God Comfort you.
Josh shared the same birthday as my Eldest daughter, I know he is special
Gwendolyn Daniel
SeaTac Municipal Court
Words escape me,
Almost as fast as my tears.
Safe journies, my friend.
Know that we are all here,
Missing you, loving you.
Remembering.
You will always be a part of us
No one as good as you can leave Without making an indelible mark,
And in that way
You will live forever.
Miss you Joshie, Love you Gangster.
We all loved Josh very much, he was always a truthful and wonderful person. He always went the extra mile to help include me in the group. I will forever miss his smile and laughter. My prayers are with all of his family at this sad time. I shall always remember him as my friend and be grateful for his presence in my life!
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane, I’d walk
right up to heaven and bring you
home again.
Miss and love you forever josh! Hope to be seeing you again soon!
Josh was one of my best friends. I dont have many, I have trouble letting people into my life. Josh was the light that helped me out of my hole. He was the first person I told that I was getting married to my wife now of 2 years. He was the type of person that showed us how we should live, full of passion for everyday life. Also with many qualities that are hard to find among people today. I will thank God for everyday and moment I was able to share with him. I love you man! See you in heaven Skinny P!!!!!!
Joshua was a wonderful young man, full of sprint and love for his fellow man. He was a person that was taken from us to soon. We will always remember Joshua and love him for who he is, and how he affected everyone’s life.
Miss you!
A gift for such a little while,
your loss just seems so wrong,
you should not have left before us,
it’s with loved ones you belong.
I’ve known Josh for 7+ years and like many people he touched my heart from the beginning of our friendship.
I was fortunate to have had many personal, heart-to-heart conversations with Josh about life, love, and laughs.
He and I had a way to always cheer each other up when down, which wasn’t hard when in the presence of his honest heart and great smile.
I’m going to miss him more than I could ever express in words, but only in my tears of sadness and laughs when reminiscing.
Josh, you will be missed by all. I am truely blessed to have had the time to get to know you and to share many memories with you! You are and always will be truely loved and missed! To Joshs’ family you are all in my thoughts and prayers in this time of loss and heartache. I recently lost my 16 month old daugther and can relate to the mixture of emotions. Please know that you have raised a truely wonderful young man who is dearly loved by many!!
This man has been one of the greatest, most understanding friends anyone could have. His honesty, love for life, and his easy-going attitudes will be greatly missed…
I haven’t known Josh very long, but I felt like I had. He was always honest, funny, caring, sweet and silly. He made me laugh on countless occasions and always made me feel welcome and comfortable. I love that guy and he will be kept alive in our hearts and memories forever. Rest Peacefully, Gangster.
I didn’t know Josh very well but, I remember he was kind to me and I am grateful to have known him. To the people who were close to him I send my deepest condolences. It is sad to know his body can no longer be with us, but his sprit is in all of us. Thank you Josh for being the human being you were.
Josh was the biggest butt head as a child, but yet I still loved him. As we got older we became very close and I will always cherish my time with him. I’m a very greateful to all of his loving friends. Thank you for your support and how much you cared for him.
I never could find the words on the day that we all came together and said our “see you laters”, and the words may never come. You were my best friend, and I still feel lost without you. As the years go by, you memories grow fonder. I refer back to them frequently. I reminisce on old times and laugh about all the fun times we shared. I giggle at the secrets we both take to the grave. I cry over the fact that you are not HERE on earth with me any longer, but I cherish the thought of seeing you in the future. I am so close to those loved ones you left behind, and together, somehow…we pull thru each and every day. I love you Josh, and I love your family and I am taking very good care of them, just like you would want me to. See ya around…