Christopher Decker

Christopher “Chris” Joseph Decker passed away on January 6, 2025.  

Chris was born on August 23, 1978, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the loving parents of Catherine Manzella Decker and Charles Edward Decker. Chris grew up and lived most of his life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chris was active in sports such as middle and high school football, fishing, hunting, knife and gun collection. He loved practicing martial arts with his father, whereby he achieved the rank of 2nd degree Black Belt. He loved martial arts so much that he became an instructor… just like his father. He and his father were both students at Mr. Joel Neely’s TaeKwonDo Plus Academy.  

Chris graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1995. After high school graduation Chris joined the US Navy to continue a long proud family tradition that has lasted for generations in both the Decker and Manzella family, following in the footsteps of his great grandfathers, grandfathers, uncles and cousins. Chris served the majority of his naval service serving on the USS Theodore Roosevelt Aircraft Carrier. During Chris’ military service, he had the opportunity to travel and experience numerous exotic ports of call throughout the world. He served in both Kosovo and in the Persian Gulf Wars. He received many awards and ribbons such as the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal and the most prestigious award was the First Good Conduct Medal. He was enlisted as an Aviation Warfare Specialist, and he served 4 years of Military Service.

After serving in the US Navy, he decided to take advantage of the GI Bill to further his education. He graduated on December 8, 2018, from Southeast University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering. He graduated with honors and was on the Dean’s List. He was also a member of the Southeastern Alumni Association. In later years, after his college education, he pursued his computer consulting business. 

Chris had a heart for disabled veterans because he was a disabled veteran himself. Chris passionately assisted many disabled veterans to secure their veteran benefits. This was one of his proudest accomplishments. 

Chris loved life to the fullest and he cared deeply for his family and friends. Everyone that met Chris loved him. He had the biggest heart and would do anything to help anybody in need. He was a young man who was taken from us far too soon, and will be missed dearly by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. 

Chris was preceded in death by his cousin, Kerry Louis Baron; his great grandfather, Samuel T Battalio - 8’th Army Airforce/Airforce (World II and Korean War and retired as a Colonel in the USAF); grandparents, Edward Decker, Sr. (Korean War) and his wife, Dorothy Battalio Decker; grandfather, Joseph Anthony Manzella (World War II and Korean War) – who passed while still active duty in South Korea, and Joseph’s wife, Machi Manzella; his uncle, Salvador Calamia and wife, Marie Manzella Calamia (Aunt ReRe); and aunt, Katherine Decker Smith. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, LA. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. A graveside service will be held at Louisiana National Cemetery, in Zachary, LA, at 2:00 PM later that day.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or any other charitable organizations of your choice.