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Ronald O. 'Ron' Decker

Ronald O. "Ron" Decker, 76, of Bluffton, IN, and having ties to Markle, IN, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at 12:15 p.m.

Mr. Decker graduated from Lancaster High School in 1954 and served in Panama and Germany as a member of the United States Army. He earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Franklin College and a master's degree from Ball State University.

He taught in Arizona, Clarksville and Bluffton and served as a teacher and principal in Clarksville and Bluffton area schools, including Columbian, Poplar Grove and the Bluffton Christian Community School. He also served several years in the superintendent's office.

He was a member of the Markle Church of Christ and a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and bowling leagues.

He was born May 10, 1936, in Wells County to Dale and Myrtle Brown Decker. He married Jane A. Faulkner on Dec. 5, 1992, in Bluffton, and she survives.

Additional survivors include two sons, John (Jari) Decker, of Midland, TX, and Mike (Sherry) Decker, of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Nancy Staggs, of Odessa, TX; a stepson, Andrew "Andy" Ellis, of Bluffton; a stepdaughter, Rebecca "Becky" Ellis, of Brooklyn, NY; two brothers, Dean (Carol) Decker, of Richmond, VA, and Don (Mary) Decker, of Holland, OH; a sister, Rinda Robbins, of San Diego, CA; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Calling is Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, from 1 p.m. to 8 .m. at Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home, Bluffton. A service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Greg Comp and Dr. Bryson Bell will officiate. Burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery, with military honors by American legion Post 111 and the United States Army Honor Guard.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.