John Decker

CHARLESTOWN — John Decker passed away peacefully Sunday morning at his home in Charlestown. He was 81 years old.

John was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Olive Decker, and by his daughter-in-law Belinda Martin Decker, step-grandson Jason Lake, and step-son-in-law Roger Perreault.

He is survived by his lifelong companion Shirley Holt, his younger brother David, his children Scott, Pamela, and Terri, the mother of his children, Yvette Decker, his grandchildren Dana, Kaley, Chelsey, and Bethany, and his great grandson Kayden. His lifelong companion’s children, Sheryl, Pamela, Jamie, Susan, Laurie and Richard, also their children, Erica, Sarah, Allison, Spencer, Michael and Kody,

John was a strong and determined man who loved the outdoors. He spoke often of lobstering off the coast of Maine as a young boy before he joined the Navy. After his years of service he moved home and worked as a carpenter. Later he worked with his father Albert in the tent rental business, which John later bought and later passed on to his son Scott, who continues to run the family business.

When he wasn’t working, John spent a lot of time in the field with his father and with friends. Whether it was bass fishing with his friends, running the beagle dogs, enjoying winters in Myrtle Beach, or hunting deer with the Lumbras, John loved being in the outdoors.

He built his father a hunting camp in Vermont with a hand-laid stone fireplace, and they spent many nights around that fire with family and friends. 

In his later years he turned his attentions to the family land in Maine. Two miles from the nearest road and on top of Decker Mountain, John built his dream camp, with one wall made of glass overlooking two pristine lakes and miles and miles of the great north woods.

In Maine he made friends who became family. Last year he celebrated his 80th birthday at his camp with his family and said it was the best time of his life, that he was truly a happy and lucky man.

John was a simple man. He wanted to spend his time with people he loved in the place he loved. His philosophy was that if you checked in on those you know, made sure they had a full belly and knew that someone was thinking about them and cared about them, then you were good people. And that meant everything.

John’s life will be celebrated Friday Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. with a service at Pine Crest Cemetery in Charlestown.

In lieu of flowers or donations, check in on someone you know, ask them how they are, and maybe cook them a meal.

Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.