MSG Christopher Alan Decker

Savannah, Georgia- Master Sergeant Christopher Alan Decker, age 34, of Steubenville OH

Chris Decker died Tuesday, March 12, 2024, he was 34 years old but lived more life than most 80-year-olds. Trying to describe Chris would be like trying to describe color but we’ll give it our best.

As soon as he could walk Chris was giving his family a run for their money. He loved sports and grew to become a valuable member of the Edison Wildcat Football, Wrestling and Track teams. After high school he followed in his big brother's footsteps and joined the U.S. Army. Never one to back down from a challenge, Chris set his sights on becoming an Army Ranger where he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield with 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He deployed 11 times to combat and one additional deployment to Europe. Chris held multiple positions while with the Rangers and served as a Rifleman, Squad Automatic Gunner, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, and his final assignment as the Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant.

He fought fearlessly and he had the brains, brawn, and medals to prove it. Chris was awarded multiple medals and awards which included the Presidential Unit Citation Award (1 OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Bronze Star (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expediential Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Service Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd  award), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.

Chris fought hard next to his brothers in arms and loved even harder, marrying only once. Though the marriage couldn’t withstand the challenges of military life, out of their love his greatest love was born. A little girl, Sadie Decker would enter the world on March 29th, 2015, softening the heart of a fierce warrior and bringing out the very best in him. 

Chris poured his heart into everything he did whether as a Ranger buddy shooting at the bad guys, a ROTC instructor training up the next generation, a friend just checking in on you or a dad teaching his daughter to skateboard through the neighborhood, he gave it his all and looked cool doing it. He never took life too serious and encouraged those he loved to do the same. “Just Be”, he would say, “be present”, “be you”, “be kind”, “be humble”, “be generous” and he practiced what he preached. 

Chris loved adventure! He loved hiking the Appalachian Trail, snowboarding, kickboxing, skydiving and the beach. Chris studied the martial art of Bando and was a 2nd level blackbelt. He loved learning new things and meeting new people and was good at everything he did. Chris was a larger-than-life hero and even in death saved lives through the gift of organ donation. 

Chris is survived by his daughter Sadie Decker, parents Melanie (Sabol) and David Decker, his brother Daniel (Renee) Decker, his nieces Lillian and Cora Decker, his nephew Kolton Decker and girlfriend Amber Gillian. Chris is preceded in death by his grandfathers, James Sabol and George Decker, grandmothers, Lillian Sabol and Carolyn Decker, Uncle James Sabol, and Uncle Mark Decker and multiple brothers-in-arms gone too soon.

Visitation will take place at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home, 701 Findley St, Toronto, OH, on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 3:00pm-7:00pm. A funeral service will be held at Bell Chapel Methodist Church, 3419 State Route 213, Steubenville, OH, on Saturday March 23, 2024, at 12:00 pm. Chris will be laid to rest at a private burial on the Decker’s Family farm. 

In lieu of flowers please direct donations to the Sua Sponte Foundation or the Knot Lucky Foundation, with donation links posted below.