Benny Decker

Benny Decker, who loved life and lived it abundantly, went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2012. He was born in Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 27, 1942 to the late C.L. "Buster" and Mae Hinkle Decker. He grew up in Mountain View, Ark. and was an active member of the community. He served on numerous local and state boards, committees, and civic organizations. He was an ambassador for Mountain View and a true Yellow Jacket. He accepted Christ when he was a small child and then later rededicated his life to the Lord. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Mountain View. Every year his faith shined brighter as he battled illness with a wonderfully brave and sweet spirit. He served as an encouragement to everyone around him and gave all praise to the Lord. Although he was fighting as hard as ever, the Lord decided to rescue him peacefully. Married to the love of his life for almost 49 years, Benny was a loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend to many. He was a dedicated, active, and supportive husband, father, and grandfather – the rock of the family. He was the proud "Papa" to two granddaughters who adored him – Holland and Bennett and his granddog Razor. He made family gatherings fun and playful and was always willing to participate in any adventure. He was the ultimate comforter. His gentle spirit at home and his big heart will be deeply missed. Benny embraced all aspects of life. He was the master of many trades and was very creative. He loved to draw, design and build. He loved to travel, be outdoors, make new friends, spend time with his family and friends, watch Razorback sports, attend high school basketball games, garden, discuss politics and campaigns, entertain, cook, listen to music, dance, visitwith his friends at the Round Table, and play pool and dominoes. He loved to laugh, tell stories and jokes, and he was always the life of the party. He appreciated trees and flowers and all of the beautiful scenery of God's creation. As a boy, he attended several major discovery expeditions at Blanchard Springs Caverns. He was an expert swimmer. He grew up swimming the creek at Blanchard Springs and would give lessons to his first granddaughter 60 years later in that same water. Benny was one of a kind. He truly put others before himself. He had a heart for helping others, especially those who were less fortunate or alone. He always made sure they were not forgotten. If you asked him for something, you received it; and he never expected anything in return. He delighted in others' successes and genuinely cared for people. He was everyone's biggest cheerleader. Benny is survived by his wife Mavis Avey Decker; two children: Curt Decker and wife Brenda, of Mountain View, Abbie Decker Rucker and husband, Ross, of Little Rock, Ark.; two grandchildren, Holland and Bennett Rucker of Little Rock, Ark.; sister Pat Cash and her husband Jim of Mountain View; aunt, Reba Cothron of Wichita, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Gloria June Decker. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, April 9, 2012. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mountain View building fund. Arrangements are by Roller-Coffman-Crouch Funeral Home of Mountain View, Ark. Visit our online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.