Donald (Don) Jesse Deckert passed away on January 23, 2021, in Paris, TN, after fighting valiantly through numerous medical issues before succumbing to COVID-19. Don, a loving husband to Mary and proud father of Sean Deckert and Jessica Andrews, died a few weeks before his 63rd birthday. Don had a keen sense of humor and a big heart, and he will be greatly missed by his family.

Born on February 9, 1958, in Larned, Kansas, to John and Ruth Deckert, Don moved to Weskan, KS, with his parents and siblings (Joe, John, Ron, and Ruth Ann – Diane arrived while the family was in Weskan) in 1961. Don was only 8 years old when his mother died unexpectedly, and 13 years old – not yet in high school -when he experienced another unfathomable loss with his father's death. Don moved back to Larned in 1972 to live with his beloved Aunt Tootie and Uncle Frank Callahan. Don graduated from Larned High School in 1976, after an accomplished basketball career. Due to his success on the court, Don was recognized as an All-League basketball player. He received a scholarship to play basketball at Sterling College and later graduated from Wichita State University.

Don was thrilled to become a father to Jessica and later to Sean. Don loved his children immensely. Though his life was punctuated with numerous changes and obstacles, he remained constant in his love for his two children and his family, particularly his siblings, whom he remained close to until his death.

Don worked in a variety of positions over the years, until medical issues made it increasingly difficult to work without pain and discomfort. Outside of work, Don was a huge sports fan - particularly his much-loved 49ers.

Don fell in love with Mary Logue and on February 25, 2017, they were married in Wichita, KS. The pair recently relocated to Paris, TN, and lived happily together until Don's death.

Don spent the final years of his life strengthening his relationship with God, which brought him great comfort amidst numerous health challenges.

Don is survived by his wife Mary, two children Jessica (Scott) Andrews, Grant, AL, and Sean Deckert, Wichita, KS; four grandchildren - Lily, Austin and Zach Andrews and Jesse Deckert; his brother John Deckert (Carla), Topeka, KS, and two sisters, Ruth Ann Urban (David), Soldotna, AK, and Diane Connally (Keith), Olathe, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Joe and Ron Deckert.