Larry Decker, age 88, was born in Lewis, Iowa to Danielle Boone Decker and Laura Decker. He grew up in several Midwestern farming communities and as a result of difficult economic times dropped out of school in 9th grade. He started several jobs to help support his family.
He served in the US Army during World War II and famously protected his “ borrowed” Japanese horse named Tojo with his battle helmet during an air raid on Papau, New Guinea.
He returned to the US, got his GED and continued his business studies at schools including Stanford University. He was very instrumental in the airline industry with executive positions including Bonanza, Air West and World Airways. In 1982 he founded Sunworld International Airways in Las Vegas, NV and served as its CEO and President. Larry was the Director of the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce in 1985. In 1963 founded the Las Vegas chapter of SKAL International, an international association of tour and travel professionals that he continued to participate with for the rest of his life.
.
After his retirement from Sunworld he was an active real estate agent in the Las Vegas area. He moved to Smyrna, Georgia 4 years ago to be close to family.
Larry was married for 40 years to the love of his life, Beverly Lou Decker, who predeceased him in 1995. He was also predeceased by his son, Randy Decker as well as seven brothers and sisters.. He is survived by his son Douglas Decker and his wife Lori, daughter Debra Lee Massing and her husband Larry. He is also survived by 3 grand children that he adored, Greg Decker, Amy Decker, and Tyler Decker (Massing). Survivors and loved ones also include brothers Robert (Bob) Decker and his wife Margaret and William (Bill) Decker and his wife Ruth, as well many beloved nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, we will be having a “going away” party to send him off to his next incredible journey. The family welcomes those locally to join us at The Vinings Club, 2859 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 1 till 4p.m.
Online guest book
www.westcobbfuneralhome.com
var item = document.getElementById("tukios_iframe");
// Now calculate our height.
if (item){
//Looks like we have tukios_iframe. Lets do stuff