Arlene Edgell’s son passes away

Jack Decker, son of Arlene Marteney Decker Edgell, Class of 1951, passed away Sunday, November 27.

Arlene, the girl from Watson during her Monongah High days, was married to Jack’s father, Eugene Decker, before she wed Okla Edgell, Class of 1944, the boy from Harter Hill.

Actually, Okla proposed to Arlene in 1950 but she was too young. So they went their separate ways, Okla to being a war hero and then worked for the government on dams out West. In 2006, Okla proposed again and Arlene said yes and they were wed.

It took 56 years, but Okla is a persistent guy.

Jack’s obituary:

Jack Lee Decker
(October 14, 1954 - November 27, 2016)

Jack Lee Decker, 62, of Fairmont, passed away peacefully on November 27 at his home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. He was born October 14, 1954 in Fairmont, WV, son of Arlene Louise Decker Edgell and the late Eugene Earl Decker.

Jack was a 1972 graduate of Bridgeport High School. He began his work career with Allegheny Power for 27 years. He was employed with the Local Operating Engineers 132 and was the owner/operator of Decker's Contracting, LLC. He was also a certified EMT Instructor. Jack was a hard worker and took pride in the work that he did.

He was a proud member of the GWRRA Chapter I in Morgantown, WV. He was a member of The Lions Club and Knights of Pythias. He was also an active member of Life United Methodist Church.

Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and Christian. He loved spending time with his wife riding their Goldwing and traveling along with their many friends. He also loved time spent with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed helping others, doing construction work, and operating heavy equipment and machinery.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Decker; father-in-law, Jack Coffindaffer; a niece, Kayla Marie Decker; and a brother-in-law, Lewis Brown.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Debra A. Decker; son, Christopher and Stephanie Decker of Fairmont; daughter, Brittany and Charles Paige of Fairmont; mother, Arlene and Okla Edgell of Fairmont; sister, Susan Decker Brown of Fairmont; brother, William and Angela Decker of Illinois; brother, James and Karen Decker of Fairmont; step sister, Lois and Dennis Edgell of Morgantown; three grandchildren, Logan and Emily Decker, and Jackson Paige; mother-in-law, Janice Coffindaffer of Florida; and brother-in-law, Jeff Coffindaffer of Florida. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews who all meant so_.much to him.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Ave. in Fairmont from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday December 1, in the funeral home with Reverend Larry Buckland and Pastor Rose Saunders officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Fairmont. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .