VEAZIE and UNIONVILLE, Conn. – Arthur B. Decker Sr., 85, died peacefully Dec. 14, 2008, at a Bangor hospital. He was born April 17, 1923, in North Isleboro, a son of Chester Burton and Elsie Medora (Chatto) Decker. Upon graduation from high school, Arthur enlisted in the U.S. Army. Arthur was blinded in the service when he was 21 years old. Recuperating from his injuries at Avon Old Farms Hospital, Avon, Conn., he met and married Louise M. Mosher in 1946. Arthur then became employed by Stanley Tools and Olivetti Underwood, Connecticut. He was an avid fisherman. In 1989, Arthur returned to Maine and resided in Veazie. He was a member of Old Town United Baptist Church and Blinded Veterans Association. He is survived by a son, Arthur B. Decker Jr. of California; two daughters, Sandra L. Thurlough of Veazie, and Beverly L. Veilleux and her husband, Robert, of Old Town; grandchildren, Aaron Thurlough and his wife, Michelle, of Tennessee, and Renee Thibodeau and her husband, Tom, of Old Town; and great-grandchildren, Jordan and Emily Thurlough of Tennessee, and Hunter Thibodeau of Old Town. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Louise in 2002; and a granddaughter, Jamie L. Veilleux in 1996. The family expresses their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff of Eastern Maine Medical Center intensive care unit for the wonderful care given to Arthur. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday at United Baptist Church, Old Town, with the Rev. Bruce Stevens officiating. Interment will be at Lawndale Cemetery. Donations may be made to United Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 86 Middle St., Old Town, ME 04468. Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town.
ARTHUR B. DECKER SR.
