Warren Christopher Decker, 83, of Washington, PA passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025.

He was born on May 31, 1941, in Connellsville, PA.  The son of the late Warren M. and Edna Charlesworth Decker of Masontown, PA.

He was a lifelong resident of western Pennsylvania.  Chris graduated from the former Masontown High School, class of 1959 and the California University of Pennsylvania in 1969 and 1976.

Chris was an educator, working for the Laurel Highlands and Albert Gallatin School Districts; he was a successful salesman, working for various businesses; and lastly, a Veterans Employment Representative for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

He retired from the U.S. Army and Army Reserve with twenty-two years of service, including combat duty in Vietnam.  While in the service he traveled extensively throughout the world and attained the rank of Major.  He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans Inc., North Union VFW Post 8543, American Legion Post 423, Masontown, AMVETS Post 103, and the Reserve Officers Association.  Chris participated in many veteran related activities.

Chris was a member and past Master of Valley Lodge No. 459, Free & Accepted Masons.  He was a member of the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, 14th Degree and Pennsylvania Consistory, 32nd Degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and was a recipient of the Scottish Rite Meritorious Service Award.  His Masonic affiliations also included membership in Washington Royal Arch Chapter No. 150, Washington Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, Syria Temple, and AAONMS.

Always loving music, Chris played with many bands in the local area including the former National VFW Band Uniontown Post 47, the Syria Shrine Band, the Washington Symphony, and the Fairfax, VA Community Band.  Chris was the leader of the Augsburg German Band, that performed at many Oktoberfest festivities in the tri-state area.

Chris was instrumental in moving the former VFW Post 47 Band to North Union VFW Post 8543.  He worked to make the band flourish.  It began in 2012 with eleven musicians and presently has over seventy players. Not only did Chris play music, but he was also a wonderful singer.  He sang with the Washington Festival Chorale since moving to Washington in 2017.

Chris was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in McMurray, PA, where he was a member of the choir.  He was active in the SWPA Synod.  Chris served as a member of the Synod council and as a Lay Worship Leader, supplying many local Lutheran churches.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lori Greene of Washington, PA; two daughters, Cassandra Decker of Lake Worth, FL and Christin (Greg) Thomas of Uniontown; three grandchildren, Lucas (Felicity) Thomas of Lacey, WA, Brandon Thomas of Uniontown, and Elizabeth Thomas of Virginia Beach, VA; brother-in-law, William M. Brown of Camp Hill, PA; three nephews, Jeffrey, David, and Andrew Brown; and a niece, Susan Kunkle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Martha Brown on February 11, 2025.

Friends and family will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, 603 N. Gallatin Ave. Ext., Uniontown, PA 15401, on Friday, May 16th from 4 to 8 PM, with a Masonic funeral service being held at 7 PM by the Valley Lodge No. 459.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 1 PM, with visitation from 12 to 1 PM prior, at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 105 Gateshead Dr., McMurray, PA 15371

Inurnment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the memorial fund of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray, PA 15317.