Obituary for Rev. Richard E. Deckard
Bloomington - Rev. Richard E. Deckard, 80, went to be with the Lord Sunday, June 14, 2020, at his residence due to melanoma of the liver. Born August 11, 1939, in Bloomington, Indiana, the son of Oscar and Rada (Grubb) Deckard.
After hearing the call of God into the ministry in 1958, he pastored several churches including the Highland Faith Assembly of God church, which he founded in 1975 and continued to pastor until his passing.
Those who knew him, knew he put his heart, soul, and body into every aspect of his life: preaching, working, farming, traveling, and of course, family. The tapestry of his life was strongly woven with strands of family, friends, and the love for God. His last sermon was “Prayer Works.” In his last hours, he finished reading the book of Revelations; his last words when he finished the reading, were “it is done.” Moments later, he was in the presence of God.
Some of his titles besides husband, father, and shepherd include: journey man carpenter at Indiana University, dairy farmer, owner of Deckard Homes, minister and the ministry group presbyter of the Bloomington area for the Assemblies of God. Some of the causes closest to him were World Missions of The Assemblies of God, Convoy of Hope, and his church’s spring camp meeting and fall harvest festival. Some of his favorite leisure activities included spending time in The Smoky Mountains, collecting antique cars, boating, farming/gardening, and spending time with family.
Surviving relatives include his wife of five years Rosie V. Cole Deckard, his four children Richard E. Deckard, Jr. “Rick” (Marilyn), Rita S. Hardesty (Ron), Raveena L. Fiddler (Mark), Ranatta S. Raper (Mark), and step-son, D. Chris Cole. Grandchildren include Alex Deckard (Kassie), Lauren LaJeunesse (Dan), Megan Meyer (Trevor), Miranda Hoffpauir (Blake), Jason Fiddler (Allysha), Nakita Atkinson “Kattie” (Greg), Tyler Fiddler (Mackenzie), Clayton Fiddler (Letícia), Bryce Raper, and Madyson Raper. He has seven great-grandchildren with one due in December. He also has a sister Marlene Deckard King (Richard) plus several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years, Naomi Ruth Shell Deckard, and his sister, Betty Jean Deckard.
Friends may call from 4-8PM on Wednesday June 17th and 10AM Thursday June 18th until the hour of service at the Highland Faith Assembly of God church located at 4782 W. Highway 48, Bloomington, Indiana. Officiating will be Rev. Don Gifford, Indiana District Assemblies of God Superintendent. The service will begin at 11 AM with the burial taking place at Valhalla Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.
The family would like to extend a special thank you for the prayers and support during this difficult time. If you would like to share your support for Pastor Deckard’s love for missions, you can make a memorial contribution to the Highland Faith missionary fund.
The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard is handling arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.thefuneralchapel.net
After hearing the call of God into the ministry in 1958, he pastored several churches including the Highland Faith Assembly of God church, which he founded in 1975 and continued to pastor until his passing.
Those who knew him, knew he put his heart, soul, and body into every aspect of his life: preaching, working, farming, traveling, and of course, family. The tapestry of his life was strongly woven with strands of family, friends, and the love for God. His last sermon was “Prayer Works.” In his last hours, he finished reading the book of Revelations; his last words when he finished the reading, were “it is done.” Moments later, he was in the presence of God.
Some of his titles besides husband, father, and shepherd include: journey man carpenter at Indiana University, dairy farmer, owner of Deckard Homes, minister and the ministry group presbyter of the Bloomington area for the Assemblies of God. Some of the causes closest to him were World Missions of The Assemblies of God, Convoy of Hope, and his church’s spring camp meeting and fall harvest festival. Some of his favorite leisure activities included spending time in The Smoky Mountains, collecting antique cars, boating, farming/gardening, and spending time with family.
Surviving relatives include his wife of five years Rosie V. Cole Deckard, his four children Richard E. Deckard, Jr. “Rick” (Marilyn), Rita S. Hardesty (Ron), Raveena L. Fiddler (Mark), Ranatta S. Raper (Mark), and step-son, D. Chris Cole. Grandchildren include Alex Deckard (Kassie), Lauren LaJeunesse (Dan), Megan Meyer (Trevor), Miranda Hoffpauir (Blake), Jason Fiddler (Allysha), Nakita Atkinson “Kattie” (Greg), Tyler Fiddler (Mackenzie), Clayton Fiddler (Letícia), Bryce Raper, and Madyson Raper. He has seven great-grandchildren with one due in December. He also has a sister Marlene Deckard King (Richard) plus several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years, Naomi Ruth Shell Deckard, and his sister, Betty Jean Deckard.
Friends may call from 4-8PM on Wednesday June 17th and 10AM Thursday June 18th until the hour of service at the Highland Faith Assembly of God church located at 4782 W. Highway 48, Bloomington, Indiana. Officiating will be Rev. Don Gifford, Indiana District Assemblies of God Superintendent. The service will begin at 11 AM with the burial taking place at Valhalla Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.
The family would like to extend a special thank you for the prayers and support during this difficult time. If you would like to share your support for Pastor Deckard’s love for missions, you can make a memorial contribution to the Highland Faith missionary fund.
The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard is handling arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.thefuneralchapel.net