Dale Leon Decker

Dale Leon Decker, 72, Bolivar, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Cox South Medical Center. Leon was born on April 2, 1943, in Greenfield, Missouri, the son of Elmer Decker and Evelyn (Wilson) Decker.

Leon was a member of the Arcola Christian Church all his life and served as a deacon and elder, and was involved in several church activities and community events.

He enjoyed working with several organizations such as Chapel Hills and Arcola Volunteer Fire Departments, Lions Club, Cattlemens Association, Western Equipment Dealer Association and spent many years on the school board in Stockton, Missouri.

On August 19, 1967, Leon and Nancy Kay Headlee married in the Arcola Christian Church and they had two wonderful children, Jeff and Luci.

His honesty and helpfulness will always be remembered by family and friends as well as his innovations and humor--he loved practical jokes and no one was exempt.

He was a pioneer in introducing big round hay bales to Southwest Missouri. He was awarded numerous sales and service awards from many companies, including the top dealer for Vermeer in the United States in 1993. He built many trailers (none alike, but all heavy) for both business and personal use.

He was dedicated to family activities for his children and grandchildren and tried not to miss any of their events. He loved car racing, traveling near and far, the St. Louis Cardinals, but most of all Baileys and Kylas games.

Leon is preceded in death by his beloved father and mentor, Elmer.

Surviving him is his wife, Kay; daughter, Luci Ewing and husband, Rex, of Bolivar, Missouri; his son, Jeff Decker and wife, Deb, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his mother, Evelyn Decker of Springfield, Missouri formerly of Stockton; his sister, Linda Danley and husband, Jim, of Springfield, Missouri; his brother, Jay Decker and wife, Lora, of Rogers, Arkansas; two beloved grandchildren: Bailey Kay Ewing and Kyla ReAnne Ewing; three nieces: Kristen Taylor, Courtney Danley and Melissa Doss and one nephew, Brian Decker.

Visitation was held Thursday, April 30, 2015, at the Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar, Missouri.

Funeral Services were held Friday May 1, 2015, at the Arcola Christian Church, Arcola, Missouri. Interment will be in the Stockton Cemetery, Stockton, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Services were under the care of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar, Missouri. Friends may leave online condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com.