Lou Emma Decker

Lou Emma Woolf Decker, 82, passed from this earth to her eternal home on Sunday, March 2nd. Born July 19, 1931 in Menard to Roy Woolf and Delora Crawford Woolf, she was the only daughter in the family with two brothers, Robert and Dick. Lou Emma lived in Menard County most of her life and graduated from Menard High School in 1948, the youngest in her class and a cheerleader. Her first job after graduation was as a telephone operator in the office located on the upper floor of Bevans State Bank. It was there that she met her future husband, Joseph Decker, and they were married on August 13, 1949 in the Old Catholic Church in Menard. Joseph predeceased her in May, 1989. Joseph and Lou Emma owned and operated Decker's Grocery on Highway 83 North for twenty-five years. Lou Emma had started working at Bevans State Bank where she worked until her retirement in 2002. While raising their family of five, the Decker home was always open to their children's friends and they never knew who or how many might show up for lunch or snacks on school breaks. That open-door hospitality to family and friends continued throughout their lifetime. Lou Emma was always involved in community activities and volunteered her services and leadership to many organizations. A member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she served on the Parish Council and was a Eucharistic Minister. She served as member and often chairman in several elected positions, including City Council, Menard Hospital District Board of Directors, Child Welfare Board, and MISD School Board as the first woman president. She was also secretary/treasurer for Rest Haven Cemetery Association and member of Menard Business Women's Association, and served as election judge for many years. She was named Grand Marshall of the City of Menard Centennial Parade in 2011. Lou Emma loved to play bridge and was an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs which she watched faithfully on television. Her family was so special to her and she enjoyed their frequent get-togethers. She is predeceased by her parents, husband and two brothers. Survivors include five children, Susan and husband Wade Stokes of Natalia, Douglas Decker of Stanton, Larry and wife Mary Decker of Abilene, Lisa Decker of San Angelo and Judy and husband Marshall Harris of Burleson; ten grandchildren, Cody Stokes, Matt Stokes, Steven Davis, Cameron Decker, Whitney Esquivel, Randi Decker, Katie Cavnar, Carli Cavnar, Jon Paul Dennison and Meghan Kauten; four great-grandchildren, Parker and Duncan Dennison and Landon and Taylor Kauten; and a host of nieces and nephews. Her family wants to give a special thanks to Glenda, Dudley and Beau Tipton, Jacque Speck and her staff at the Community Center, Hope and Lori with Country Home Health, her best friend Belinda (Miss B) Fleming, and several other close friends. Memorials can be made to Child Welfare Board, c/o Olivia Gonzales, Box 729 Menard, Texas 76859; the Menard Volunteer Fire Department, Box 414, Menard, Texas 76859; or your charity of choice.

Lou Emma Decker

July 19, 1931 - March 2, 2014