Donald Earl Decker

Donald “Don” Earl Decker, of Rigby, Idaho passed away of heart failure on Friday, April 24, 2026, at EIRMC in Idaho Falls, Idaho. On Sunday, April 19, he turned 81, visiting with friends and family. We are so grateful we had this one last party to celebrate this amazing man.

Don was born April 19, 1945 in Idaho Falls, to Betty Lou (Sauer) and Melvin Earl Decker. He was their oldest, and later, 2 more sons and 2 daughters would join the Decker family. Their home was a farm in Lewisville. His parents and grandparents kept him busy with farm chores and he grew up learning the value of hard work and carried this lesson until the end of his life. He had to always be working and doing. He graduated from Rigby High school in 1964 with classmates who are still his best friends.

He married Dona Prophet on April 24, 1965. They spent 51 years together, learning, growing, building and loving their three children, David, Deana and Kendra. They raised their family in Lewisville before Don eventually built his present house in Rigby. Their ranch in Bone was such an important part of their lives. Many, many happy memories of kids and grandkids were made there, hunting, exploring, playing games and building the new cabin. He felt that life in the mountains was always better. Don and Dona had wonderful times together, traveling, fishing, bowling, golfing, and just loving on their grandkids. Sadly, she passed away in May, 2016.

Don was a proud member of the 116th Engineer Battalion from Rigby. He joined the National Guard in May of 1964 and proudly served until November 1986. Their battalion was called to Vietnam in 1968 to 1969 where they were assigned to build bridges and roads. He was very honored to have been awarded the Purple Heart in 1969. He forever had this sense of honor, love and duty to his country and the brave men he served with.

He started working construction when he was 16 and never gave up the trade, becoming one of the most honest and successful contractors in the area. He was so proud of every home and building he built. If you were in the car with him, he could point out a home, bank or business every few minutes and say that he had built that. He built beautiful buildings while also building the character and talents of the men he hired.

In 2018, he pursued a new relationship with a gal he met at church, Sheryl. She will readily admit that it was his bright, blue eyes, smile and unfailing, strange sense of humor that won her over. They were married on August 11, 2018, and started a new, adventuresome life together. Unburdened by obligations or worry, they were able to travel, golf, cruise, and visit family and friends all over the US and Canada. He really enjoyed his winters in Brenda, AZ, and missed his Arizona friends at the Wagon West trailer court and Wenden Branch this past year when he was unable to go. Together they loved growing in the gospel, especially the evening scripture discussions or temple sessions with his Come Follow Me group. All of whom became his special friends in the gospel. He was determined that everyone knew his love for Sheryl by expressing his gratitude and love for her every day.

Don has always loved to fish, and no matter where he was building, he had brought his pole along. When his kids and grandkids were young, he would walk the creeks with them for hours, fishing and exploring. He also took the time to take Grandma Prophet in her later years because she also loved to fish. With the Grandkids, he would give them free reign, letting them explore and do just about anything they felt like, leading to some pretty scary stories! No matter how hard it was to get in the boat last few years, he wanted nothing more from life than fishing with his closest friends at Ashton and Ririe Reservoirs. Especially memorable was the way he called “Here fishie, fishie!” Anybody who fished with him will never forget that! He also had a great knack for calling ducks! He definitely was happiest in the outdoors.

Other activities he loved were tinkering in his shop or rearranging his tools. He loved riding his side x side with friends, mowing the lawn, and always, always joking with family and friends. Babies attracted him like a magnet and if he was around them long enough, he taught them their first swear word! It was very common for Don to question every kid on how many girlfriends or boyfriends they had, or when they were getting married.

Don was able to have close, lasting relationships with his grandkids and nieces, nephews and just about everybody who knew him. He was a devoted friend, loved everybody, and could strike up a conversation with anyone who came close. He made sure to take care of those around him. He was always offering help, tools, money or a meal to anyone and everyone! Even if he didn’t know where his wallet was!

Don is survived by his wife; Sheryl Decker of Rigby, ID. His children; David Decker (Margo) of Sugar City, ID, Deana Byram (Trevor) of Shelley, ID, and Kendra Decker (Brandon Bauman) of Geneva, ID. Siblings; Steve Decker (Sherrill) of Boise, ID, Jackeline Clawson of Texas, and Laurie Berrett (Raliegh) of Menan, ID. Eleven grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. His marriage to Sheryl brought more family, six kids and spouses, 19 grandkids, and 5 great-grandchildren. They all grew to love and admire him in the past eight years. Steven Summers (Tammy) of Drummond, MT, Shari Summers of Rigby, ID, Clint Summers (Burgundie) of Petersburg, VA, Jeni Bybee (Nolan) of Rexburg, ID, Bryce Summers (Victoria) of Idaho Falls, ID, Heather Jenks (Barry) of Kaysville, UT.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Dona Decker. His parents, and brother, Conally Decker.

A funeral service is planned for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rigby 2nd Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (4023 East 300 North, Rigby, ID 83442). The family will meet with friends Friday, May 1, 2026, at the church from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, prior to the service at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment and military rites will be held at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.