Norman Decker

Treating people with gentle kindness and without judgment and living true to one’s own heart are just a few things for which Norman “Stormin’ Norm” Decker was best known. 

Norm peacefully passed away on June 5, 2022, with his daughter and best friend Tannis at his side. Norman was born on Oct. 31, 1950.

Norm was a resident of Morris until 1994, when he relocated to the northern part of Florida called Live Oak, a small town where he enjoyed the rest of his life, surrounded by the beauty of Live Oak’s countryside and his many animals and friends. Norm graduated from Morris Community High School in 1968.

In 1974, he married Ellen McIntosh of Lexington, Ky. They raised two children and the family spent time going to various motorcycle shows (tinkering with Harley Davidsons or the old-timey “Whizzer” motorized bikes were a huge pastime for Norm), boating and camping on the Illinois River, vacationing in Florida, hiking at Starved Rock and walking and fishing at Gebhardt Woods.  

Norman and Ellen owned and operated Opal’s Furniture Store, a business given to the young couple by his parents, Opal and Alfred Decker. 

In his later years, Norm was retired and loved spending time walking around his seven acres saying hello to his animal friends (most notably Smoky, his miniature horse.)

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joyce Lindamood; and his son Stuart Decker.

He is survived by his best friend, Teresa Tannis Durpree; his daughter, Madeline Decker McCulloch (her husband, Bob); his nephew, Alex Lindamood; and two nieces, Carol Harlow and Diane Lindamood.

A graveside inurnment will be Saturday, June 18, at Christian Chapel Church in Dongola at 1 p.m. His family invites all who knew him to attend and share their memories.

Crain Funeral Home in Dongola is in charge of arrangements.