Celebrating the Life of
Gary Lynwood Decker
April 10, 1939 — June 7, 2025
Obituary
Gary Lynwood Decker, 86, passed away with love and peace on June 7, 2025, at Primrose Retirement Community in Gillette, Wyoming, surrounded by those who cherished him most. Born April 10, 1939, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Gary’s life was marked by entrepreneurial spirit, deep devotion to family, and an enduring zest for life.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Doloras and Thurman Decker, and his daughter, Dawn Decker. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 41 years, Jane Decker; daughters Tammy (Evan) Stoops of Gillette, Stacy (Dennis) Dunn of Ranchester, and Kristy Young of Bozeman MT; seven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren, including a great-granddaughter on the way.
Gary attended public schools in Lyman, Nebraska, before moving to Wyoming, where he graduated from Newcastle High School in 1957. He began his college studies at the University of Wyoming and later transferred to Chadron State College. As a member of Chadron State’s inaugural wrestling team, Gary played a pivotal role in pioneering the sport at the college. His dedication and achievements on the mat earned him induction into the Chadron State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. Gary graduated with a degree in Business Administration, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
After graduating from Chadron State in 1961, Gary enlisted in the Army, where he trained in artillery and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He continued to serve as Mess Steward in the National Guard until his discharge in 1967. Also in 1961, Gary joined his father, Thurman, in running Decker’s Supermarket in Gillette, balancing his military service with growing the family business.
Together, their entrepreneurial vision expanded the business to include eight Decker’s grocery stores, five Kwik Shops, and several community staples such as Tower West Lodge, Holiday Inn, three Bazel’s restaurants, Packard’s, and Pablo’s (Sheridan). As a longtime friend and colleague said, “When I was engaged in business discussions with Gary and Thurman, they were true entrepreneurs who had exceptional business savvy, treating all people with fairness and displaying coveted integrity.”
Gary was the fourth generation of his family to be in the grocery business, a legacy he carried forward with pride and innovation. After retirement, Gary and Jane enjoyed travel, golf, wine, and time spent in Story, Wyoming; Whitefish, Montana; and LaQuinta, California. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, Gary approached each day with resilience and optimism, never letting his illness define him. Even in the face of challenges, he was known for his mischievous humor and quick wit, often brightening the lives of those around him with laughter and well-timed remarks.
Gary’s life was enriched by the family he built throughout the years. He married Lynda in 1963, adopting her daughter, Dawn, and together welcoming two daughters, Tammy and Stacy. Later, in 1984, Gary married Jane, and together they continued raising a blended family, including Jane’s daughter, Kristy, whom Gary lovingly raised as his own.
A proud member of Rotary International and a card-carrying member of “The Turtle Club,” Gary was always ready with the appropriate “Turtle” response for anyone who inquired. He was passionate about the Denver Broncos, golf, fly fishing, and restoring cars—a love he shared with his father, Thurman—and had a particular fondness for all things Corvette. Gary also enjoyed good wine and a cigar, and delighted in tinkering with just about anything, always eager to take on a new project or challenge. He built his own theater at home to enjoy movies and popcorn, and at Primrose, he was known for sharing music with fellow residents. He will also be remembered for his integrity, vision, storytelling, patriotism, thoughtful gestures, and his love of homemade pie. Among his many joys, Gary especially treasured life’s adventures with Jane.
More than anything, Gary was known for being an extraordinary father to his four daughters. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and was a constant source of love, encouragement, guidance, and laughter in their lives. His unwavering support and the special bond he shared with each of his girls will be cherished and missed forever.
A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held June 28 at 10 a.m. on the third floor of Primrose Retirement Community, followed by a private graveside service. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Primrose for the exceptional love and care they showed Gary over the past two and a half years. Your kindness and dedication brought comfort and brightness to his days, even during the most challenging times.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Rock Steady Boxing, an organization dedicated to building community and empowering individuals to fight back against Parkinson’s disease. Their evidence-based exercise program is specifically designed to address symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Gary found fellowship and meaningful support through this program, and it is the family’s wish to help it grow in his honor. Donations can be made in Gary’s name via the Rock Steady Boxing website (https://rocksteadyboxing.org/support-us/).
Gary was an extraordinary soul whose genuine care for others, infectious humor, and steadfast integrity touched everyone he met. The love, laughter, and wisdom he shared will remain a lasting legacy, forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Memories and Condolences
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Gary is my first nephew. We were born three years apart so Gary was more like a brother than was his dad, my brother Thurman. When we were young Gary lived in Lyman, NE and I lived in Guernsey, WY. Gary’s grandfather, my dad Edgar Decker, helped Thurman get started in the grocery business in Lyman. While they would discuss business, Gary and I would play. Gary always had their hunting dog with us as we walked around Lyman. He would show me the school ground, farm fields, the movie house and places he was allowed to play at the store and also the snacks he liked! I liked having a “little brother” as I had seven older brothers. In 1953, our families were fishing for salmon off the Oregon coast. I caught my 18# salmon first and then Gary caught two more the same size-he couldn’t let his “old aunt” better him! When we were teens, Gary was living in Newcastle. In the summer of 1955, on summer break from college, I worked in Newcastle at the Decker’s store. One time Gary drove his car and took me and four cousins (Max’s children) for ice cream cones. When he brought the tray of cones back to the car, the youngest cousin, one year old Nancy, reached her little hand and knocked some cones onto the car seat. Gary was holding a banana split and trying to decide where to put it so he could clean up the mess and all of us but Gary were laughing hard-that did not help. Gary was trying to get in to take us home and clean up his car, I was trying to keep Nancy from more mess and the three cousins in the back seat were all laughing. Nancy was trying to eat all the ice cream she could find. Gary really didn’t care to remember that little adventure! I was visiting Gary at Primrose a couple of years ago and I asked him if he was ready for heaven and he clearly responded “I hope so”. The last time I saw Gary was at a family reunion in August 2024. He reached out as I reached out to hold hands-we looked at each other for minute or so, saying with our hands and eyes that we were remembering and loving on each other, without speaking a word. I am so thankful to have had Gary make me an aunt for the first time at three years old. Coming from a loving family, we shared some good times as kids here on earth. I hope we will be sharing heaven together too! “Aunty Janny”
"Aunt Janny" and Gary
I don't know what I said....but it was clearly awesome.
The Dynamic Duo!! I hope you both are playing lots of rounds and winning all the tournaments in Heaven!!
Gary and Larry won...all...the...time!
Gary, a veteran, entrepreneur, patriarch of the Decker family and a friend of the Knapp family. So glad we grew up with your kids and got to know you as their dad. Our sincere condolences to your entire family. You are greatly missed. God speed and grant you eternal peace. We will see you on the high ground.
Gary was always kind, and had a great sense of humor.
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