Thomas Decker

Thomas L. Decker, 77, of Salamanca, NY, died on June 3, 2024 at the Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, SC, following a long illness.

Born January 18, 1947 in Olean, NY, he was the son of the late Lewis and Ernestine Walden Decker. He was married on March 7, 1970 to the former Jacquelyn Jimerson who survives.

He was a graduate of Ten Broeck Academy, Franklinville, NY, Class of 1964.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1966 – 1968 and was stationed in Germany.

Thomas had been employed as a conductor/brakeman and worked on the B&O Railroad, Salamanca, NY Chessie System, CSX, working for over thirty-seven years and retiring in 2007 with the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, the outdoors, fishing, and photography. He was an avid birdwatcher.

Surviving are: two daughters, Stacy Decker, Marla Decker; two sons, Thomas (Crystal Smith) Decker, Justin (Kayla Everett) Decker; a sister, Ellen (Jim) Kenworthy, Olean, NY; two brothers, Jay Decker, Eric Decker, both of Franklinville, NY; ten grandsons, Decker (Andrea) Runn, Zachary (Meghan) Petrichko, Sean (Carri) Fisher, Kobee, Jackson, Grady, and Sullivan Decker Ernest Pinnecoose, George and Denver Parsons; a granddaughter, Kailah (Derren) Fisher, three great-grandsons, Mannix and Howell Loundsbury Runn, Bodhi Brooks; four great-granddaughters, Dorey and Stormi Brooks, Lillian, and Luna Petrichko; several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4 – 7pm.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 11am with his brother-in law, Robert Jimerson, officiating.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.p