John Stanford Decker
September 4, 1931 ~ November 5, 2021
John Stanford Decker passed away November 5, 2021, at Presbyterian Manor in Wichita, Kansas.
John along with his twin, James Byron, was born to Mabel and John A Decker, Jr. in Abilene, Kansas. The family resided in Enterprise, Kansas where the twins attended the Enterprise public schools, graduating from high school in 1949. John graduated from Washburn University in 1953. He then went to seminary at Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1957.
John served in ordained ministry with the United Methodist Church in Kansas a total of 54 years. His appointments were Natoma and Pleasant Plain (a country church); Clyde and Agenda; Osborne; Arkansas City; Abilene; Wichita and Garden City. He was the district superintendent in Hutchinson. Upon retirement, John was a member of the Master Gardener Program in Wichita and continued to teach Sunday School and lead special studies.
John married Dorothy Elizabeth Bellman June 14, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas. Their children are Patricia McMains and David Decker.
John married Barbara Ann Hunt Bays October 16, 1982, in Abilene, Kansas. Barbara’s sons are Todd and Scott Bays.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Charles, Glenn, Wallace and (twin) James; and a foster brother, Warren Douglas. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of their home; daughter, Patricia (Randall) McMains of Arkansas City; son, David (Ivy Arroyo) of Leander, TX; stepson, Todd (Claire) Bays of Lawrence, KS; stepson, Scott (Kim) Bays of Wichita; 11 grandchildren, Justin, Jason and James Decker, Ian and Julia McMains, Abbey and Nathan Bays, Allison (Cody Tilson) and Madison Bays, Travis and Ross Arroyo; 6 great-grandsons, Mason, Brennan, Landon, Carter, Hunter and Maxwell Decker.
Services will be conducted at the First United Methodist Church in Wichita at 10 AM on Friday, November 12, 2021, with burial in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Enterprise, KS to follow at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: First United Methodist Church - TV Ministry, 330 North Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202; Sedgwick County Master Gardener Program, 7001 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
L Linda L Winter, DMD a few seconds ago John was one of the kindest and gentle square dancer we knew. We shared many squares with him and Barbara when we were all members of the Westerenairres. Our last dances with them in that club were at the First UMC Wichita before the club disbanded. I (Linda) will always remember the kind twinkle in his eye as we danced together in a square. And he always spoke so highly of you, Barbara. We both knew there was deep love he had for you from his comments and ways. I also enjoyed running into him in his Master Gardener role. We’d discussed plants and how to care for them or what pest might be the current challenge. I suspect even when his memory began to fail that he may have still known how to care for God’s creatures. We Paul & I pray you will have comfort and peace as you mourn and celebrate John’s life.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Well done. Godspeed Rev. John.
I met John Decker and his lovely wife, Barbara, through the Master Gardening program. I served on many events events and programs through Master Gardening. I will always remember his wonderful smile, his wit along with his knowledge, and his kind spirit. We all will miss him.