Poem #29 - When God Calls

Osa Eric Decker & his devoted wife, Della "Dell" Decker - 1994.

"When God Calls"

In Loving Memory Of My Brother

OSA ERIC DECKER

(May 14, 1920 to September 8, 1994)

Osa was a tiny baby at birth - and his life hung by a thread.

"Never let him get overly excited!" ... that's what the doctor said.

He spent his first hours in an incubator shortly after he arrived -

But God was surely with him, and that tiny baby survived!

When Osa was nine and I was seven, and our little brother was four -

God called our loving Papa ... to enter through Heaven's Door!

Papa's request before he died was: "Osa, take care of your mother."

So Osa became a devoted son - and also a wonderful brother.

Decker Kids - Osa Eric, Lola Thelma, & Maxa Curtis.

Though physical activities were limited, Osa had a brilliant mind.

He was always an excellent student ... and was musically inclined.

A graduate of Hartford High and The University Of Louisville too -

He served his country in The U. S. Navy during World War Two.

Hartford High School Band & Orchestra (Hartford, KY) - 1939

Osa Eric Decker - 2nd from left on front row.

Eric Decker with his violin.

Eric (as he was later known) - chose a beautiful wife named Dell.

Their years together were happier than these poetic words can tell.

Dick, their son, is happily married with a precious son of his own -

And I'm sure he'll remember Eric as the loving Dad he's known.

"Dell" & Eric Decker (1982).

Their home was in Louisville, Kentucky, until Eric and Dell retired.

Then they moved to Sun City, Florida, into a house they both desired.

Although Eric was talented in music, he didn't make it his career.

He enjoyed his job at Bechtel Petroleum and retired as a cost engineer.

The modern miracle of heart surgery made Eric's body stronger -

And two successful operations helped to keep him living longer!

Eric so bravely fought colon cancer - the disease that took his life -

And God, in His love and mercy, was with him through the strife!

Osa Eric Decker in U. S. Navy (WWII).

During heart surgery in '89 - it was NOT Eric's time to go.

His heart had stopped, but he heard God say: "No! - Not NOW! - No!"

Now God has called our loved one ... to enter through Heaven's Gate!

Some day ... we'll see him again because our Heavenly homes await!!!

Written By Thelma Decker Hill

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  John 14:2 (King James Version of The Holy Bible).