Donald “Don” R. Deckert transitioned from this life to his heavenly home on July 13th, 2026, surrounded by love.
Don was born December 12th, 1935, to the late William and Agatha (Pickens) Deckert in Mitchell, Indiana. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1953.
After high school, Don immediately enlisted in the Air Force, where he served in Germany. During this time, Don became the starting quarterback for the Landstuhl Raiders and won the German/Austrian championship in London in 1955. Following his active-duty military service in 1957, Don attended Indiana University. Although Don was recruited by Head Football Coach Phil Dickens to play quarterback for IU, he ultimately chose to focus exclusively on his academics.
Don’s professional career spanning 32 years included both managerial and supervisory positions in the highway construction and coal mining reclamation industries. Don worked as an Assistant Project Engineer for the Indiana State Highway Commission from 1961 to 1964. He then became a Project Supervisor for Ralph Rogers and Company in Bloomington from 1964 to 1978. During this time, Don supervised many major road construction projects, including portions of I-65 near Somerset, KY, Indiana SR 63 between Terre Haute and Montezuma, and Indiana SR 37 between Bedford and Bloomington. Don was also mentioned in a 1975 article in Construction Equipment magazine, where Ralph Rogers Company was recognized as one of the top contractors in the nation. Finally, Don worked as Manager of Reclamation for Amax Coal Company from 1978 to 1993, where he was responsible for reclamation planning and execution at eight surface mines across Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Don was a member of the American Legion and the IU Alumni Association and was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bedford until his recent move to Terre Haute.
Don married our mother, Nancy L. (Trueblood) Deckert (1958-1980/deceased 2001); married Nila (Gordon) Deckert (1982-2007/deceased 2007); and companioned with Lorenda Voris 2008-2018 (deceased 2018).
In his spare time, Don was an avid reader, an exceptional cook, a fiercely loyal IU fan, a lover of golf (playing/watching), and passed the time watching a wide variety of sporting events on TV. He enjoyed listening to all styles of music, singing along, and strumming on his ukulele. Don also kept up on news and world events, was a devout Democrat, embraced his Episcopal faith, and treasured meals and gatherings with family and friends.
Don is survived by his sons Mike (Linda) Deckert, Terre Haute; Tim Deckert, Madison; daughter Lisa Deckert (Pat Rasnic), Indianapolis; his sister Susan “Sue” Breedlove (John), Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren Haley (Mikey) Blair, Jensen (Trent) Persinger, Landyn Deckert (Chandler Harper), Macy (Michael) Deckard, Benjamin Deckert, Alexis (Kit) Mudd; great grandchildren Leah, Robin, Sampson, Theo and Vivian; and nephews Johnny Breedlove, Bend,
Oregon, and Bill (Hollie) Breedlove/families, Worthington, Ohio; and niece Shannon (Chris) Burton/families, Belpre, Ohio; honorary daughter Susan Maddox; and many beloved cousins, extended family, and close friends.
A private family graveside ceremony with military rites will take place on Friday, July 24th, at Cresthaven Memory Gardens, with Mother Kelsey Hutto-Ford presiding. A reception will follow at the Otis Park Red Brick from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., where friends and family can gather to celebrate Don and share stories of his life, surrounded by the beautiful golf course where Don spent so many hours enjoying the game he loved most.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Bedford, IN, is honored to have been chosen to care for Don and his family during this difficult time.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
