Gene Theodore Decker, 86, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Wednesday August 26, 2026 after spending an evening celebrating his birthday with his family.

His life began August 13,1940 in South Bend, Indiana, born to Jack and Betty Decker.

On his eighteenth birthday he met the love of his life at Diamond Lake, Sue Ellen Proud, and they married on July 28,1962 in South Bend, Indiana.

Gene grew up in South Bend and spent many cherished summers with his grandparents at Diamond Lake, in Cassopolis, a place that would become the center of his life and family. He graduated from Riley High School in 1958. As an Eagle Scout, Gene received a scholarship to Purdue University through Scouting where he studied Forestry, earning a Bachelors degree in Wood Technology. He began his professional career working for Schultz Realty in Elkhart, Indiana. After ten years there, he joined Portage Construction in South Bend, Indiana. He eventually became CEO and President leading the company until his retirement in 2002.

Gene remained active in construction as a consultant, with some of his final projects involving the Howard Township and Cass County Fire Departments. He was deeply committed to his community serving on many municipal and community boards, including LaGrange Township Planning Commission and the Cassopolis Area Utilities Authority. Through that service, he was instrumental in bringing sewer service to Diamond Lake. Gene was a proud member of Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana, which he served as president. In retirement, he especially enjoyed spending time with his close-knit circle of friends who would gather regularly for dinner at Lindy’s on Wednesdays and couples’ choice on Fridays. However, family was at the heart of his life, and nothing gave him greater joy than being a grandfather known as “Poppy”.

 Perhaps nothing captured Gene’s spirit more than his love of bass fishing. He was a founding member of Sportsman’s Bass Club and belonged to the Michigan Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. Gene was proud to have fished from places ranging from Brazil to Alaska. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast and devoted Notre Dame fan. He was a Christian who loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as well as a devoted church member of United Presbyterian Church of Cassopolis; where he faithfully served as a Ruling Elder for building and properties. He always made sure to make coffee, take attendance, and perform quiet acts of commitment.        

Gene will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Sue Ellen Proud of Cassopolis; four sons, Scot (Tami) Decker of Poplar Grove, Illinois, Joseph (Joy) Decker of South Bend, Indiana, John (Michele) Decker of South Bend, Indiana, and Thomas Decker of Waterford, Michigan; ten grandchildren, Danielle, Holly, Rodney, JaVonte, Kelly, Ashley, Cheyanne, Raquele, Natalie, and T.J.; four great grandchildren and a fifth one on the way, Kaden, Jayce, Kingston, and Malakhi; one sister, Sandy (Thomas) Sharp of Warsaw, Indiana; and one aunt, Jerry Greene of South Bend, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, William F. Payne; and one brother, William K. Payne.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Gene’s life Friday, September 18, 2026 form 11:00 a.m. until time of service 12:00 noon in United Presbyterian Church of Cassopolis, 209 East State Street, Cassopolis.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Gene be made to United Presbyterian Church of Cassopolis, 209 East State Street, Cassopolis, 49031.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

09/04/2026 djb