Eric Lee Decker, age 54, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer.

If a battle could be won on sheer desire to live, Eric would be here for many decades to come, because he had three very important people in his life worth fighting for-his wife, Elizabeth (Steele); step-son, Max Kegerize; and son, Theo Decker-who will miss him every day.

Eric was many things-extremely intelligent and an avid reader. He loved games and was excellent at trivia. His dry sense of humor and quick, sarcastic wit could leave anyone laughing. It is his empathy and compassion, though, that truly set him apart. It takes a special person to work with individuals facing mental health challenges, and Eric was one of those special people. Eric dedicated his entire career-over 30 years-to advocating for people's mental wellness. His calm demeanor and kind heart allowed him to excel in his work. Eric had a gift for calming people down and de-escalating even the most difficult of situations. He was known for treating his patients and coworkers with compassion and kindness.

Although Eric was passionate about his work, his greatest purpose in life was being a good husband and dad. His wife and sons were his whole world, and he made sure they felt loved and supported every day. Their household was one filled with love, laughter, and many dogs. Eric supported his wife in all of her ventures-including rescuing and fostering dogs, repurposing old furniture, and making and selling crafts. He was her greatest supporter and best friend. They were truly a perfectly matched couple.

Eric was a big sports fan. Though he was loyal to the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, and Ohio State Buckeyes, his favorite sports teams were any in which his sons played. He could always be found on the sidelines, cheering them on in everything they did.

Though his time on earth was cut far too short, the impact he had on all who knew him will live on.

In addition to his wife and sons, Eric is also survived by his parents, Ronald and Lana (née Lorenz) Decker; mother- and father-in-law, Rich and Jill Steele; sisters Janis (Craig) Sankowski and Karen Fuller; sister-in-law Emily (Patrick) Robinson; nephews David (Aditi), Devin Fuller, Pidgeon Voya, and Graham Robinson; niece Adalyn Robinson; great-nephew Rohan Fuller; and his honorary brother and sister, Luke Howard and Tana Ditch, and lifelong friend Chuck Brown.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Elizabeth Decker, and Frank and Betty Lorenz; uncles Paul Eastep and Gary Lorenz; aunts Michelle Tully and Barbara Haefner; and mother-in-law Martha Fort.

Friends and family may visit at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, 440 S. Coy Rd., Oregon, OH, on Friday, April 10, from 4-7 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elizabeth Steele to help with expenses for Theo and Max.