Obituary of Harold Edward Deckard

Heltonville – Harold Edward Deckard, 93, of Heltonville, went home to be with his Lord on December 8, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 17, 1930, in Heltonville, the son of Ora and Goldie (Eads) Deckard. He married Edna (Dolly) Sowders on December 10, 1949, and she preceded him in death. Harold’s first job was at Showers Furniture Factory in Bloomington as a model maker. Following this, he was a fire lookout for the Hoosier National Forestry Division, and grounds keeper for Cresthaven Memory Gardens. He retired from Sexton-Wilbert Burial Vault Company, then worked at Spring Mill State Park as head gristmill operator. Harold and Dolly were Lawrence County’s Santa and Mrs. Claus from 1990 to 2011. They also operated Rusty’s Toy Chest and distributed toys, coats, gloves, and hats to needy children at Christmas. They were recognized for their work and received the Jefferson Award sponsored by WRTV-6 news in 2011. The award is to recognize people who make a difference in their community. Harold and Dolly worked to bring education for children with disabilities to Lawrence County after discovering, in 1968, that their son, Rusty would not have an opportunity to attend school. This led to the establishment of the LARC Center in Bedford. Harold was a very loving father, grandfather, and uncle to many. He was once asked how many children he had and he replied “at least a hundred or more”. Harold was an avid horseman in his younger years and enjoyed riding. He was a member of the Ramsey Ridge Church. Survivors include two sons, Robert Deckard and wife, Nancy, of Bloomington and Bill Deckard and wife, Janet, of Heltonville; a daughter, Melanie Brooks and husband, Ronald, of Heltonville; a son-in-law, Danny Irwin, of Bedford; grandchildren, Quentin (Julie) Deckard, of Seffner, FL, Jeremy (Stephanie) Deckard, of Spencer, Nathaniel (Jessica) Deckard, Danny (Stephanie) Irwin, all of Bedford, Lisa (Jim) Slone, of Bloomington, Chris (Courtney) Brooks, of Leesville, Josh (Eliza) Brooks, of Bloomington, Daniel Brooks, of Seymour, Rachel (Richard) Johnson, of Bedford, Holly Chastain and Meghan Cirillo, both of Heltonville; thirty-four great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son, Rusty Deckard, daughter, Rita Irwin, two brothers, Ancil and Russel, sisters, Inez and Ruby. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 14th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Elder James W. Clemmer and grandson, Quentin Deckard officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilgal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 13th and from 12:00 noon until the hour of service on Thursday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.