Robert Eugene Decker

Robert (Bob) Eugene Decker lived a life defined by service, and love for his
family and community. Born in 1928 on Staten Island, New York and raised
during the Great Depression and World War II, he developed a strong
sense of duty that would carry him throughout his life.

He joined the Coast Guard at the age of 17. He served honorably aboard
several vessels, including the USS Marchand, USS Hurst, USCGC Ingham,
USCGC Sebago, and Lightship No. 106. His duties included ocean patrols,
rescue operations, and navigation along the Atlantic Coast. He later
continued his maritime service in the Merchant Marine and the Military Sea
Transportation Service, supporting both military and civilian operations
around the world.

In February 1950, at the age of 21, Bob married 19-year-old Joyce J.
Jeffreys. They moved to Vienna, VA in 1952 with their infant son, and Bob
joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC.

As a Metropolitan Police Officer, Bob was involved in local law
enforcement as well as providing support for federal government
operations and security efforts. During his years with the MPD he
witnessed the presidency evolve through Presidents Truman, Eisenhower,
Kennedy and Johnson. He was on duty for presidential motorcades and
dignitaries going to and from the White House, crowd control during major
events such as presidential inaugurations, the famous Martin Luther King
speech, protests during the Viet Nam war, and he watched over the
incumbent President Kennedy’s home and family while awaiting their move
to the White House.

For 16 years, Bob loved the work and served in Georgetown and
surrounding neighborhoods where he became a well-known and trusted
presence. He took a special interest in mentoring young people and built
strong ties in the community. He was selected to be promoted to
Sergeant, when in 1968 was critically injured in the line of duty, forcing him
to retire. At the time he and Joyce were raising their 5 children, the
youngest, 4 year old twins.

While Bob recovered, Joyce became the family provider when she opened
a private day care center and preschool, Vienna Tiny Tot’s Village. The
school taught and cared for generations of families in the Northern VA area
for over 50 years. Joyce’s door was always open to families in need of
advice or support, and many received daycare at no cost to help them
through difficult days.

Over the course of their long lives, Bob and Joyce’s love and commitment
to their family and community made a lasting impact on many. Throughout
72 years of marriage, they stood by each other through illness, injury, and
all of life’s challenges. Through it all, family remained the center of their
world.

Bob will be remembered for the deep love he had for his family, the life
lessons he taught, the words of wisdom he imparted, and the endless
corny jokes he told.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Decker, his sister
Evelyn Hiatt his parents, Eugene and Dorothy (Mabel) Decker, and all of his
best friends, shipmates and police partners. He leaves behind 5 children,
Glen Decker (Gina Vincent), Ron Decker (Karen Decker), Lynn Decker
Enyart (Bill Enyart), David Decker (Carin Decker) and Debbie Decker; seven
grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

A columbarium service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on
Monday, August 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., where Bob will join his beloved
wife, Joyce. Family and friends are welcome to attend.