James "Bill" Decker

James William “Bill” Decker, age 72, of Richland, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Springfield Mercy Hospital on April 5, 2026. Little Bill, as he was affectionately known by family, was born on April 7, 1953, in Waynesville, Missouri to Billie Lee Decker and Ruth Pauline Perkins Decker.

Bill was a member of the Swedeborg Christian Church and was baptized November 15, 1963.

On October 5, 1979, he married the love of his life Regina Hendricks, at Eureka Baptist Church in Richland, Missouri. Together they built a life rooted in faith, values, love, and family. They made their home in Richland and welcomed three children.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, papaw, great papaw, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Regina; his children J.W. Jr (Annie), of Springfield, Andrew (Jacquetha), of Richland, and Robert (Deborah) of Dixon. His beloved grandchildren, Ruthanna (Don), Alexus (Craig), Kendra (Brandon), Matt, Josh (Gracie), Gracie Renee, Ashley (Jacob), Madison, Gracelyn, Zoe, Nikki, Kennedy and Carley. Four great grandchildren Cameron, Finlee, Natalee and Gus; his siblings, Kathy (Gilbert) Whitham of Richland, Patty (Bobby) Myers of Lebanon, Paula (Shane) Hams of Swedeborg, Robert (Jeannie) Decker of Montreal, Brenda Becker, Morris Decker and Mark Decker all of Richland, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Billie and Ruth Decker, mother and father in-law Garner and Doris Hendricks, and one niece Kristin Decker.

Bill was an expert autobody worker, a trade he learned from his dad. He owned and operated Bill’s Body Shop in Richland for 12 years. He was known for his expert knowledge, took great pride in his work, and was respected by all that knew him. During the last 27 years of his career, Bill used his expertise to serve as a Department of Defense civilian employee, from which he retired in January 2026.

Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor and for getting one over on Regina. He loved fishing, especially with his boys. He took fishing trips to Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Canada.

Bill was one-of-a-kind man. He would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Eureka Baptist Church in Richland, Missouri. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5:00pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.