Snowden Lee Decker, age 86, of Dixon, was born May 24, 1936, at Fairfield, Iowa, a son of Snowden Grant and Opal LaPearl (Streets) Decker, and passed from this life Friday, March 31, 2023, at his residence near Dixon.

On August 1, 1956, at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, Snowden entered active federal service in the United States Air Force and served until August 1, 1976, when he was honorably discharged at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, at the rank of Technical Sergeant (E6).  A man of excellent character, Snowden's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimony of selfless and faithful service to his country.

He was united in marriage October 12, 1967, in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, to Patricia "Pat" Martin, who preceded him in death on December 7, 2010.

Snowden enjoyed being outdoors whether he was working, gardening, farming, or fishing.  He liked taking vacations with his grandchildren and loved to listen to country music.

After serving in the Air Force for twenty years, Snowden continued his working career as a civil servant for twenty-four years as a First Engineer Brigade Officer in charge of all equipment at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, until his retirement in 2008.

Those left to mourn the passing of Snowden include: three sons, Shaun Decker, Jason Decker, and Evan Decker, all of Dixon; one daughter, Kelly Steinberg, of Dixon; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, Pat, he was preceded in death by his father, Snowden Grant Decker, on February 8, 1975; his mother, Opal LaPearl Decker, on August 16, 1981; four brothers; and one sister.

Visitation for Snowden will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home Chapel, 105 E. Third Street, Dixon, Mo, with his funeral service following at 11:00 a.m., with Brother Ryan Hogshooter officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be by his loving wife of 43 years in Seaton Cemetery, near Dixon, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon. Pallbearers for Snowden Decker will be Shaun Decker, Jason Decker, Evan Decker, Brad Kelley, Dave Holzer, Don Gann, and David Rollins as an honorary pallbearer.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Snowden Lee Decker are suggested by his family to the donors' wishes with envelopes available at the Dixon Funeral Home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box EE, Dixon, Mo, 65459.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Snowden at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com