Jay Decker

Jay Decker, 42, of Hastings departed from his life on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer.

There will be no services in Hastings as Jay chose to have his cremated remains scattered in two sights representing his hobbies of golf and fishing. Public services will be held Saturday June 14, 2008 at 2:00 pm at Berryman Funeral Home - 620 East 22nd St., Cozad Nebraska. Condolences may be sent @ www.lbvfh.com or to 1610 West 7th St., Hastings, NE 68901.

Jay Decker was born December 18, 1965 in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Spencer Jr. & Janean (Thompson) Decker. During his youth, Jay participated in many sports with a strong passion for basketball and golf. He attended Hastings Community College on a full basketball scholarship in 1984 after graduating from Cozad High School. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan, supported the Oakland Raiders, and loved the Chicago Bulls, idolizing Michael Jordan. Jay and his father, Spencer Decker, loved to golf together. In 1988, they won a flight in a Father - Son tournament. Over the last ten years, Jay fell in love with NASCAR racing - never missing a race - start to finish - all the while cheering for Jimmie Johnson. Jay was always surrounded by friends and family in all he enjoyed, from barbeques to sharing his homemade chili to all out fish fries after many a successful fishing trip. Most importantly, let's never forget the music. Jay loved his Rock-n-Roll. ACDC, KISS, Ozzy, Guns-n-Roses and Saliva - Just to name a few that could never be too loud. Not only did Jay love to play, he also loved to work. Starting as a stockroom boy, Jay worked his way up to store manager and manager trainer of a major grocery chain, in Hastings. Jay was known as the friendly neighborhood grocery store manager; a career that gave him immense joy and power. He was loved by all who worked for him. The last few years, Jay enjoyed working at AGP Ethanol Plant as a quality control inspector. Jay shared his never-ending laughter, warm smiles and kind heart with everyone he met. He loved his life and he lived it to the fullest. Although he will be dearly missed, the memories we have of him will keep us smiling.

Jay Decker was preceded in death by his father Spencer Decker Jr., grandparents Spencer Sr. and Judith Decker, Claus and Lola Thompson, and Miland and Earline Silveria.

Survivors include:
Mother: Janean Decker - Houston, TX
Brother: Ted Decker - Cozad, NE
Sister: Lynell Decker & Muriel Martins - Houston, TX
Several Aunts and Uncles
Numerous Special Friends , Girlfriend Erin Rybolt, and Lifetime Friend Benjamin Wittenberger