Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

28 years this weekend...........WOW!! What a day it is in heaven! Just this weekend I have encountered many who remember you and the stories are still so great. It is sad to think that the ones who knew you best are starting to live in their last years here on earth. Brad and I will never let your spirit die. I talked to two local wardens on the 26th at the lake (I always make myself go on the water on this day each year) and the first thing they asked me was my dad Bruce or Barry. You are a legacy:) I made sure to tell them to be careful because they need to go home to their families.
You now have four grown granddaughters, three great grand children and little Barry who is not so little any more. He will be a sophomore this next school year and is a very impressive athlete. Devine has a little girl that is a year, Kelsey has a little boy that is a year, and Kolebi (softball coach and science teacher) just recently had a little boy (2 1/2 weeks). Kasadi is still wandering and figuring out life as she enters the medical field as a wonderful caring nurse. I know you are filled with pride and joy as you look down on the life you are missing out on here on earth. We couldn't be more blessed with such a great guardian angel.

David Hodges
daughter

May 28, 2018

Hey dad , well it's been another year this makes 26 and it seems like yesterday you left us but I still think about you when I start a project of any kind,I try to figure out how you would do it I have these boys that I'm trying to make into men I hope I do as good as you did with me thank you foe everything you thought me.I love you and miss you dad,
Thanks for evrerything you did for me andstink
Love your son brad

Brad. Decker
Son

May 29, 2016

A long time ago, I heard a quote. “When you die, who will show up at your funeral? This would be a testament to the life you led.” There were so many people that came to his funeral that they could not fit in the church, they had to stand outside. There was such a diverse group of people that came to pay their respect for such a fine man and officer, people such as; family, friends, and the law enforcement community. I was even told that people he had even arrested, at one time or another, came to pay their respect.

I have tried to live my life in a way you and the rest of my family would be proud of. I have been married now going on 16 years and have a beautiful 12 year old daughter, and I love them unconditionally as you loved yours. I wish my daughter and your grandchildren were able to know you as well as your children, nephew and nieces knew you.

You will always be missed, but never forgotten.

Your Nephew,

SSG Gary W. Decker
US Army (Retired)

January 28, 2016

Mr. Decker was a gr8 man who I had the deepest love and respect for we were good friends and I miss him dearly. RIP Mr. Decker

kenneth s. ballard
dear friend

January 2, 2016

Hey its Barry I know u never knew me but my dad really never we uits telling stories about you and every story he tells me I get to know u a little more . I'm in the 7th grade and I'm quarter back for my football team . last year I had a state tournament in baseball we came in third place . I wish I got to meat you. I'm looking forward to being a game warden after I go to college I'm hoping to get a scholarship for baseball and go to TA&M

I can't wait to meat you in heaven
I'll see you there one day
Love you and miss you

William Barry Decker
Grandson

September 12, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 26, 2015

Well dad,you've been gone 25 long years. Man I have a lot I would like to talk to you about. Little Barry is growing up to be some kind of a young man,you would be so proud of him,he shot his first squirrel the other day. I figured it was time to get back in the woods an he needed to go an learn what you loved to do. I haven't been since you left,but he needs to no more about you an that was a part of you.well Kelsey is going to college an thinking bout the military, I'm so proud of her,an you would be too. Devine, is doing great she has had things thrown on her that she didn't deserve but she has enough of you in her that she took on head on. You would really be proud of her too. Well,like I said I have a lot to say to you,wish you were here. Dad I miss an love you,can't wait to see you again in your big squirrel woods in heaven. Love ya dad...

brad decker
son

May 22, 2015

Well,it is May 26,2013,23 years almost to the min.since you were called home. Alot has happened since you left us. Dad,you raised a great young woman in Stink an she has done a good job with her girls.Dad you would really be proud of them. As for me ive got some good kids too,that im proud of an i think you would be to,but they all came from you and what you thought us. I know grandmaw is there with you,an i know its great. Dad,i think of you oh so much,the things we did an talked about. Im fixin to be 44 years old and i still need your advice. Barry,an i talk often about you he wants to be a warden just like you,he reminds me so much of me an you when i was little. Well,i just wanted to talk to you. I miss you so much dad
We miss an love you so much
Brad Decker
May 26,2013. 10:30 pm

brad decker
son

May 26, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 3, 2013

Something hit me hard today.........I needed you! I can't believe that it never gets easier not having you here! I am not that 18 year old any more, but as I think of you I always go back to that place. You have two granddaughters who are now young women and two who are on their way to finishing up high school. There is a very handsome young man named William Barry Decker that is fastly approaching his teen years. Time flies, but everyone I encounter that knew you still has only wonderful things to say. I miss you and asked David the other day "I wonder what it would be like to call my parents house and have my dad answer the phone?" It is the little things.............
I maybe 41 now, but I am still your little girl! I hope you know that:)

Shannon Decker Hodges
daughter

January 15, 2013

To Warden Decker and His Family,

You are not forgotten. Thank you and your family for your sacrafice in protecting the citizens and natural resources of Texas. Texas is a better place because of men like you.

Michael Keck, Criminal Investigator
Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice-OIG

May 2, 2012

I knew Barry as few had. We had spent 25-years together. His life was his kids, his job and his friends.
He never complained when getting a call in the middle of the night, nor dressed to go out with friends and family when seeing a spotlighter, and changing his direction in pursuit. Life was always exciting, not knowing what would happen next.
He loved the squirrel camp, and spending time with those that meant so much to him. Several have passed since. He complained little, and gave a lot. He served his country in the army, backed up his friends, and helped others in the community.
Its been 20-years this May. He has missed his daughter and son getting married and having 5-grand
children. One was even named after him (William Barry Decker). He has big shoes to fill, but he is also a fine young man. I only wish Barry could see them all. The girls are all great. They will never know the man we knew. I would give anything for him to return and be with his grandchildren. They are missing so much in life not having him.
His children only had 18, and 20 years with him. I sometimes wonder about the things they do not even know about their dad. I try and think of what I should be telling them. He was great, kind, thoughtful, loving, sharing, forgiving, but most of all he loved them dearly.
You will be remembered forever.......


Mary Jane Decker Davis

Anonymous

April 7, 2010

DAD,HERE IT IS GOING ON TWENTY YEARS,SINCE YOU BROUGHT ME GAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU,AND I REMEMBER IT OH SO WELL.YOU ONCE SAID,THAT IF YOU COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ONE PERSONS LIFE,YOU COULD REST IN PEACE.WELL DAD YOU MADE A BIG IMPACT ON ALOT OF PEOPLE,YOU WOULDN'T BELEAVE JUST HOW MANY.IT'S HARD FOR ME TO AND I'M HERE HEARING FROM ALOT OF THEM FROM TIME TO TIME.THE MAIN REASON THAT YOU WILL NOT EVER BE FORGOTTEN IS NOT BECAUSE OF THE JOB YOU HAD,IT IS BECAUSE YOU WERE A GREAT MAN.YOU NOW 4 GRANDCHILDREN,THAT HEAR ABOUT YOU OH SO OFTEN.I WISH THAT YOU COULD KNOW THEM,BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHO YOU ARE.REST IN PEACE DAD,WITH ALL OUR LOVE,
SUNSHINE

BRAD DECKER
SON OF A GREAT MAN

January 19, 2010

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Keep watch over the rest of us as we protect our nations natural resources.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

January 2, 2009

RIP

Anonymous

September 9, 2008

I was on leave up at my parents house in Henderson Tx, when I heard of the death of these 2 wardens. Made me think again how dangerous serving the public and ones state and country can be. Thank God they passed doing what they loved. Since then I have had a child who is very into nature and conservation. The Game Wardens have had a tremendous impact on his education....

Mike, Msgt USAF Ret
Air Force

June 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 5, 2008

It is quickly approaching 17 years since you went to heaven! This seems to be an important year because you were in law enforcement for 17 years. WOW! It seems like yesterday when I was the 18 year old girl begging for my dad to come back. Thank you for all you did for me and our family for the short time you were here. Oh the things that you have missed. You are still loved by many and will never soon be forgotten. Rest in Peace Daddy!

Shannon Decker Hodges
daughter

March 4, 2008

Barry was a very good friend of mine for years when i worked for the panola county sheriffs dept and we spent may happy hours hunting and camping in the sabine river bottom.he was a fine officer and he is still missed by many of his old colleagues. Barry i salute you my friend.

Lt.Leon Carpenter (Retired)
Gregg County Sheriffs Dept,Longview,Tx.

May 4, 2007

After 15 years I would like for the famililes of these two game wardens to know that the sacrifice these men made is not forgotten.
It is my prayer that God continue to pour out His endless love and blessings.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

May 26, 2005

Rest in peace brother. Family, friends and co-workers of Officer Decker look to the Lord in prayer to ease your pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS.

DFC Vernon Brown
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl

November 26, 2003

Barry was as nice of a person as you would ever meet.He loved his family,community,and his profession.I first met Barry when I was in the seventh grade and he gave a presentation to my school.I well remember him showing us the illegal fishing devices and nets that he had confiscated.Barry cared a whole lot about the kids in the community and bent over backwards to help them.My second encounter with Warden Decker was when I was fishing one morning.He dealt with me in a very profesional manner.When he saw that I was not violating any laws we chated for a few mins and he went on about his business.Barry was one heck of a nice guy.May God bless him and his loved ones.

Anonymous

November 12, 2003

Rest in peace. God bless the family of this fallen Warden.

private citizen