Gaylord “Gabe” Lynn Decker of Salina passed away on December 24, 2025.

Gabe was born on February 5, 1942, to Harvey and Pansy (Reese) Decker. His early years were spent on a farm east of Roxbury. When he was in the second grade, his family moved to Roxbury, where he attended grade school and graduated from Roxbury High School in 1960.

After graduation, he started his career in the construction business, working at the Salina Testing Lab. As the father of three young boys, he started taking engineering classes at Kansas Technical Institute at night. He later worked for the city of Salina and Wilson & Company Architects and Engineers as a draftsman. He worked for several engineering firms as an estimator before starting his own company, Decker Construction, in the late 1980s. In Gabe’s mind, he never ”officially” retired, working into his 70s, until his health would not allow him to continue.

In 1961, he married Karen Crowther, and they had three sons, Michael Lynn, Mark Allen, and Jeffrey Todd. They divorced in 1985.

Gabe was a man who built more than structures and projects; he built a life rooted in love, service, and family.

He was skilled with his hands, proud of honest work, and known for his ability to fix just about everything, which he passed on to his sons and grandchildren. If something was broken, he could be counted on to find a solution. He was the one everyone called when something needed fixing around the house, and he showed up without hesitation.

His greatest joy, however, was his family, especially his grandchildren. When a new grandbaby arrived, he would lovingly create sweet projects for nurseries, from shelves to quilt racks to cabinets. He and Karen refurbished furniture, created with care, each one built not just with tools, but with a grandfather’s devotion. These pieces stand as lasting reminders of his love.

Gabe spent many hours when the boys were young, coaching their various sports teams. When they were older, he never missed a game unless he was out of town working. Just as faithfully, he could be found in the stands or on the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events, proud and present at every game, match, tournament and championship.

He especially loved spending time fishing with his granddaughters, spending those quiet, patient moments together. He rarely missed a soccer game for his granddaughters and was just as devoted to cheering on his great nieces and nephews at their football and basketball games. Because his grandsons lived out of state, he wasn’t able to attend many of their games, but he was so proud of their accomplishments. After retirement, he was able to travel to watch his grandson, Noah, play hockey. Even though hockey was a “new” sport for him, he was so excited to get to see Noah play. Whether on the sidelines or in the stands, Gabe was always there, even driving hundreds of miles to other states, proud, present, and supportive.

Though he appeared rough and gruff on the outside, those who knew him best understood that he had an enormous heart. He showed his love through actions rather than words, through steady presence, hard work, and always showing up when it mattered most.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his loyal presence on the sidelines and the deep, unwavering love he showed to his family.

Gabe was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his former wife and companion, Karen Sutton, his sons, Mike (Brenda) of Henderson, NV, Mark (Mauri) of Topeka, KS, and Jeff (Laurie) of Thornton, CO; sister Gloria (Gary) Seib of Denver, CO; and grandchildren, Tyler (Nikki) Decker of Atlanta, GA, Mackenzie Decker of Topeka, KS, Madison Decker of Nashville, AR, Macy (Seth) Boxberger of St. Louis, MO, Maggie Decker of Kirksville, MO, Nick and Noah Decker of Thornton, CO, and his first great- grandson, Maddox Decker of Atlanta, GA. Gabe also leaves behind sisters and brothers-in-law, Katie and Gary Weis, Karleen and Wendell Burch, Lynnie Crowther, and Jim and Darla Crowther, as well as many nieces and nephews.

This excerpt was written by his ten-year-old granddaughter, Madison, in 2005, after a fishing day with her grandpa and her best friend, Dylan:

     “My grandpa is a hard-working man. He likes to spend time with us at the pond. It is always an adventure going to the pond with these two. When you have a friend like Dylan and a grandpa like mine, it’s impossible not to have fun together.”

No services are planned. Memorial donations may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit, Salina, KS 67401.