Richard Earl Decker On February 18, 2022, Richard Decker (72) returned to his Heavenly Father due to heart complications experienced while doing something he loved – working in his yard. He was born February 5, 1950 in Payson, Utah to Edith Simmons and Bryant Frisby Decker. He was the second of three sons. He married Diann Rymer Waddill on November 20, 1986 in the Provo Utah Temple. They were married 35 years. They have 5 married children and 10 grandchildren. Richard grew up in Payson, Utah and graduated from Payson High School. He was a wonderful athlete lettering in 4 sports – basketball, football, baseball and track. He was also valedictorian of his class. Richard received an academic scholarship from Brigham Young University and was accepted into the honors program where he received his bachelor degree, graduating magna cum laude. He was working on his doctorate when he decided to change his focus and become a writer instead. He published 2 books and had numerous other manuscripts in process. Richard served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong. He loved the culture, language, and the lasting friendships made. His experiences in this country inspired one of his fictional, published books. Richard had many church callings in his life, but being a gospel doctrine teacher and counselor in a bishopric of a BYU single adult ward were amongst his favorites. He thrived on teaching and sharing knowledge. Richard followed in his big brother's footsteps and entered law enforcement working 3 years for the Utah Highway Patrol and 17 years at Brigham Young University as a police officer, sergeant and detective. He was known for his keen mind. His wife and children loved how well he could proof read their papers, homework and help with projects. He loved the weather and predicted every day with great accuracy. Richard loved talking about sports, history, world news, and just about any subject. He had countless stories to tell and never tired of telling them. If you passed the Decker home, you could see that Richard loved working in his yard, planting flowers and maintaining a garden. He won the Orem Beautification Award 3 times for his efforts. Even with his declining health over the years, he continued to work at least an hour each day in his yard. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones. Richard is survived by his wife of 35 years, Diann Decker and their five children, Emily Miller (Brian) of Herriman, Ryan Decker (Jami) of Orem, Greg Decker (Madi) of Herriman, Matt Decker (Becky) of Sugar House and Nate Decker (Sarah) of Lehi. He is survived by 10 grandchildren of whom he loved and adored. He is also survived by his two brothers, David Decker (Sharon) of Springville and Darrell Decker (Laura) of Riverdale. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Heatheridge Stake Building located at 450 E. 2000 N. Orem, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the same address. Interment, Orem City Cemetery.