Irvin Decker,

Irvin Decker, of Issaquah, Washington, passed away at Gene & Irene Wockner Hospice in Kirkland, Washington on Sunday, June 13, 2010. He was 75 years old.

Irvin was born on February 27, 1935 in Montezuma, Kansas, the youngest son of Irvin Sr. and Matilda Decker. He was raised in Galva, Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.

He married his high school sweetheart Connie J. Tector on August 26, 1956. He served with the United States Air Force from June 1959 to July 1964, as a pilot in the Vietnam War. In July 1964, Irvin moved to Bellevue, Washington, and became employed as an engineer, then one year later, as a pilot with the Seattle Boeing Company. He was later promoted to Chief Production Test Pilot. Irvin took early retirement in 1990.

In addition to flying, Irvin was an avid fisherman, hunter, mountaineer, and gardener. Irvin and his wife Connie have resided at Providence Point in Issaquah for the last 12 years.

Survivors include: his wife, Connie of the home, two daughters, Brenda Decker-Asheim of Carnation, Washington and Carla Decker-Smith of Eagan, Minnesota; a brother, Dr. Don Decker of Halstead, KS; three sisters, Vera Jantz of Montezuma, KS, Vivian Pokorny of Spokane, WA, and Marlene Zusman of Denver, CO; and four grandchildren.

A private family graveside service and inurnment will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2010, at Empire Cemetery near Galva, Kansas. A public reception and memorial gathering will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 26, at the McPherson Holiday Manor Convention Center.

The family suggests that memorial donations be given to the American Cancer Society. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Irvin Decker, please visit our Sympathy Store.