Gene Deckard's Obituary
Howard Eugene Deckard, son of Leon “Lee” and Artie McBride Deckard, was born November 9, 1926, near Grovespring, in Laclede County, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, July 21, 2009, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years, eight months, and twelve days. On June 1, 1946, in Columbus, Kansas, he was united in marriage to Katie Marie McCormick, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, an infant, Ruby Deckard, and Eunice Kent. Gene is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Marie, of the home; a daughter, Donna Traw, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sons, Ron Deckard, and his wife, Rita, of Centerville, Ohio, and Roy Deckard, and his wife, Patty, of Lebanon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Risa Owrey, and her husband, David, of Springfield, Missouri, Cassie Blattel, and her husband, Billy, of Eldridge, Missouri, and Cody Deckard, and his wife, Crystal, of Lebanon, Missouri; six great-grandchildren, Craten and Cally Blattel, Martin and Madison Owrey, Creedon Deckard, and Regan Laird; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in the Grovespring area, in Laclede County, Missouri. He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy from February 20, 1945, until May 6, 1946, during World War II. After he and Marie were married, they made their home in the Lebanon area and lovingly raised their family. Throughout the years, Gene worked as an automobile mechanic and had been employed by Palmer Motors and Glenn Drake Garage before going into business for himself. For the last few years, Gene and Marie had made their home in Lebanon and enjoyed their retirement. Gene was raised in the Mount Zion (Cuba) Freewill Baptist Church, near Grovespring, Missouri. In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activity was fishing. He also liked collecting die cast metal car banks. His family was most important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will treasure the wonderful memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 10:00am on Friday July 24, 2009 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday evening 7-8:30pm under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the American Heart Association. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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