Ernest D. Decur

SULLIVAN, Mo. - Ernest D. Decur, 96, of Sullivan, passed away Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

Ernest Dominic was born on Oct. 18, 1921, in Wakefield, Mich., to the late Dominic and Madeline (Negro) Decur. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ernest was united in marriage to Donagene Bedore on July 28, 1945, in San Diego, Calif., where Ernest was serving his country.

In 1962, they moved their family to Sullivan, where Ernest was employed at Pea Ridge Iron Ore Mine. After saving another employee's life, Ernest became the company safety inspector. After the mine closed, Ernest went to work as an inspector for MSHA, in Rolla. He continued working for the federal government for the next 10 years, until he retired.

Ernest was a member of the Sullivan VFW Post 3987. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the VFW, playing cribbage and pinochle. He also enjoyed gardening.

Mr. Decur is survived by his children, Janet Danz and husband, Carl, of Leslie, Madeline Sabol and husband George, of Johnson Creek, Wis., Jim Decur, of Ironwood, Mich., and Pamela Decur ,of Sullivan; six grandchildren, Steven Danz and wife Erin, of Tigard, Ore., Joanne Gannon and husband, Rob, of Lee Summit, Brad Sabol and wife, Cheri, of Minnesota, Scott Sabol and wife, Tracy, of Wisconsin, Shawn Sabol, of Wisconsin, and Brock Sabol, of Wisconsin; 10 great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; one sister, Julia Bruno, of Wakefield; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donagene; his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

It was Mr. Decur's wish to be cremated. He will be buried beside his beloved wife, Donagene, in Highbridge, Wis. All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan and Bourbon.