Obituary of Merrill F. Decker

Bakers Mills: Merrill F. Decker, 78, of Old Bakers Mills Road, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 30, 1933 in Moriah, he was the son of the late Rollin and Martha (Dudley) Decker. Merrill married Betty VanDyke in March of 1989 in California and the couple relocated to the Minerva area in 1990. He was employed as a bus driver for the Minerva Central School for many years, along with several other bus companies including Yankee Trails. Besides spending time with his family, Merrill enjoyed the great outdoors and watching television. Over the last few years, he enjoyed spending time with his many friends in the Adult Day Care program at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife of 11 years, Betty W. Decker; his biological mother, Bernice; his step-daughter, Gloria Bacon; and grandson, Nicholas Ball. He is survived by his two daughters, Teal Parrott and her husband, Michal of VT; and Amy Ball and her husband, Ronald of Greenfield Center; grandchildren: Bobby, Sandi, of Port Henry; Starr Decker, Kylee and Meadow Ball, and James Hill; his step-grandson, Damian Ball; his step-children: Deann Lawrence and her companion, Wallace of Bakers Mills; John Morehouse and his wife, April of Gloversville; Phil Morehouse and his companion, Martha of Gloversville; Douglas Norton and his companion, Patty of Chestertown; Bruce Morehouse and his wife, Debbie of Wevertown; Melissa Wheeler of Gloversville; and son in law, Donald Bacon of Bakers Mills; and one great-granddaughter, Isabella. At Merrill’s request, there are no calling hours scheduled. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be conducted at 2 pm, Sunday, February 19, 2012 at the Sodom Community Center, Peaceful Valley Road, Johnsburg. Merrill’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the outstanding care he received during his final days. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.