William Stephen Decker, 75, of 31458 County Rt. 143 Black River, passed March 22, 2016 at the Samaritan Medical Center. For the past four months he has resided with his daughter, Roxanne, where he was cared for by her and his loving family.

A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, April 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Black River American Legion 113 E Dexter Road Black River.  Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.

Born on February 22, 1941 in Portland, Maine, son of Donald and Nellie (LaConte) Decker, he attended school in Portland before entering the US Army on November 8, 1956. He was honorably discharged May 3, 1957.  He then served in the Army Reserves from January 13, 1958 until April 11, 1960.

He married Barbara A. Trainham on April 12, 1958 at Holy Family Church.  The couple resided in the Town of Watertown before moving to Black River in 1965.

Mr. Decker worked at the Knowlton Bros Paper Co. from 1965 to 1974 and St. Regis Paper Co., in DeFeriet, from 1974 to 1987.   His love of golf prompted him to build his own nine hole golf course, known as the White Pine Golf Course, with his wife and children in 1984.  They operated it up until 2007. During that time they also owned and operated the White Pines Lounge.  It was a great gathering place for family and friends.    He drove truck for several years for various US Postal Service Contractors with his copilot and diesel dog "Thumper" up until September of 2015, when he retired due to health reasons.

He bowled in several leagues, was an avid golfer, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved spending time with his family.

Among his survivors are four sons and their wives, Stephen W. and Natali Decker, Oakdale, PA, Christopher D. and Lisa M. Decker, Lowville, William G. and Nicole L. Decker, Oswego, Robert N. and Erin L. Decker, Watertown; three daughters and two sons in law, Melissa A. Thomas, Watertown, Roxanne L. and Patrick M. Kenney, Black River, Gigi B. and Robert D. Buckley, Black River; 24 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

His beloved wife Barbara passed January 1, 2006, a grandson, Tyler Lynn Saber and two sisters, Charlotte Finks and Sandra Grooms all passed before him.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Black River Rescue Squad.

Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.