Wilson Steven Decker's Obituary
Wilson Steven Decker was born in Los Angeles, CA to Marion and Wilson G. Decker on April 10, 1929, and passed away at Madigan Army Medical Center on October 22, 2009.
Wilson was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Joseph and James. He is survived by his loving wife Keiko, sisters Kate, Judy and Marion, brother Thomas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
After high school graduation, Wilson joined the Air Force in 1952 and commenced a career which would cover 28 years. Upon completing pilot training, he flew B-26 aircraft in Korea, then B-57s and B-66s in Japan and Germany, and later, C-135 and C-141 transports. He would excel in each aircraft type he flew, reaching the qualification of Flight Examiner. As his career progressed, Wilson reached the rank of Lt. Colonel, and served at Headquarters 5th Air Force and as the Director of Operations, 475th Airlift Wing at Yokota AB, Japan. At the time of his retirement in 1980, he was the Air Base Commander, 60th ABG, Travis Air Force Base. After his retirement, Wilson occupied himself with his church, his home, and with his Yorkshire dogs. He will be forever remembered as an outstanding pilot, a fine officer, a devoted husband, and a cherished friend.
A Funeral Mass for Wilson will be held at the McChord AFT Catholic Chapel at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 5, 2009, followed by interment at Tahoma National Cemetery at 2:15 PM. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com .
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