Charles Alvin Decker, 71, of Idaho Falls, passed away at home after an extended illness on January 28, 2018.

He was born November 12, 1946, in Florence, South Carolina to Ernest Eugene and Mamie Annelyn Thigpen Reynolds.  He was adopted in 1960 by Richard and Betsy Decker.  He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1965 and then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1972, where he was stationed on the East Coast and in Japan.  While on the East Coast, he met and married Brenda Faye Johnson of Bristol, VA, on April 21, 1967.  They had one child, a daughter, Loretta Lynn Decker.

After his service, he attended the police academy and returned to Idaho.  He worked for the Bonneville County Sherriff's office, where he met and married Burnis Johnson on February 15, 1974.  He then joined the Idaho Falls Police Department, where he retired as a Detective after 26 years on May 31, 2002.  They were married until Burnis passed away in 2007.

Together they enjoyed snow machining, ATV riding, and spending time with friends and family communing with nature at their property at Palisades Lake.  They both served for years as volunteers for Bonneville County Search and Rescue, and for their love of animals, they supported the local humane society.  Charlie's passion for animals drew them to him and led to many rescues throughout the years.  Charlie enjoyed playing and watching baseball and NASCAR races.

Charlie is survived by his children: Loretta Lynn Decker Smith and husband, Bobby (Cumberland Gap, TN), Debbie Johnson (Boise, ID), and Ted Johnson (Idaho Falls, ID); grandchildren: Hilary Johnson (Boise, ID) and James Daniel Smith (Johnson City, TN); sisters: Margaret Reynolds Raines (Timmonsville, SC), Roxane Decker Simmons (Boise, ID), and Edith Decker (Grants Pass, OR); and aunts: Joretta Reynolds (Timmonsville, SC) and Marie Reynolds Gainey (Bethune, SC).

He was preceded in death by Burnis Decker, his wife of 33 years; and his parents, Richard and Betsy Decker, and other loved ones.

The family wishes to thank the care givers who provided loving care in Charlie's final months and Dr. Gene Hodges, who provided exceptional care over many years.

A celebration of life will be held from 3:00-4:00 pm, Sunday, August 12, 2018, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. The family suggests donations in Charlie's name to the Bonneville Humane Society, 444 N. Eastern Ave., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 or Bonneville County Sheriff's Search and Rescue online at www.bcssar.com.