Community Saddened By Pastor's Death

A recent photo of Brother Howard Decker. (courtesy of Dermitt Funeral Home)

A well known local pastor, Brother Howard Decker of Leitchfield, passed away Wednesday evening while working on a barn with a neighbor. According to the Grayson County Coroner, Decker suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly. 

Early reports said that he had fallen from the barn and succumbed to injuries, but those accounts were incorrect. An eye witness with Decker at the scene said that Decker fell only a few feet from a small ladder and that the fall had nothing to do with the end result.

Brother Decker was the pastor of Chalybeate United Baptist Church, an office he had held since 2005. The tragic news was obviously a shock to church and community members. "It's unbelievable...I just talked to him a few hours before the accident," one church member said. Another was heard saying, "This entire community is a little bit weaker. Whether you knew him from church or not, he always called everyone friend, and he looked at everyone that way."

A deacon from Chalybeate Church said, "Our church will be fine, God will take care of us. We ask that you direct your thoughts and prayers to Brother Howard's family during this difficult time."

Brother Decker not only was the pastor at Chalybeate, he also currently held the role at Fairdale United Baptist in Louisville. During his 32 years as a minister, he served as pastor at various churches in Edmonson and surrounding counties: Lear Hill, Mt. Zion (Edmonson County) Mt. Zion (Grayson County) Caney Creek, Mulberry Flats, Basil Chapel, and Claggett. He also served as the Moderator of the Green River Association of United Baptists from 2006-2011.

You can read the obituary and funeral arrangements here.

Edmonson Voice Staff

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