Lucretia Jane Darst Long

Lucretia Jane Darst Long, 93, of Richmond, Ind., died on April 14 2009. She was born in Kokomo on Nov. 9, 1915, to Edith D. and Henry E. Long who owned a Main street movie theater. Henry later became sheriff of Wayne County, then Edith and Henry later became owners in Niewarner Long Coal Company, W. Main and S. 2nd. The Longs later settled on 18th St. starting a family. Lucretia Jane was the second child, born between Sara Katherine and Thomas Bainbridge. When Henry was sheriff the family lived over and managed the old county jail located on S. 2nd St. The family later moved to 132 S. 9th St. The Longs and later Lucretia, after she moved from Indianapolis, lived on 9th and S. 16th street until 1998. In retirement she moved to the Leland Residence at 9th and A. Lucretia graduated from Richmond High in 1932. She went to college at Western, Earlham and IU in Pi Beta Phi sorority, graduating IU with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, Education degree and taught English and Latin. In 1939, she married Dr. Harold L. Decker DVM. "Doc" Decker started a veterinary practice in a 9th St. garage, 3 houses down from the Longs. In 1941, two events happened, affecting Lucretia and Doc.: first child Thomas Harold Decker was born and WW II began. Doc, a reserve Army Infantry officer was called up. During the war, Doc served in Burma. Lucretia's brother, Thomas, a B24 pilot, was lost over the English Channel in Dec, 17, 1943. Colonel Decker was buried 2007 in Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. Lt. Thomas Long, is memorialized with fellow airmen in Cambridge England (www.446bg.com ). After WW II, a second son, Hal Bainbridge Decker was born. Lucretia lived in several places as Dr. Decker established his veterinary practice and Lucretia ran the office. They lived in Cottage Corner, Ind., and Sedgwick Place in West Richmond near where Doc established the Richmond Veterinary Hospital. Doc was called up for the Korean War so she and sons moved to Germany. Upon return, the Decker's established a practice in Indianapolis. After Tom and Hal graduated college, Lucretia and Harold divorced, she moved back to Richmond. While in Richmond, Lucretia ran an antique store, "Longview" and lovingly took care of her mother at home for many years until Edith (Tootsie) Long's, (age 96) death. Earlier she took care of her father, Henry, (Bopo), (age 80), in Indianapolis until his death. Lucretia always remained close to ALL OF HER family. She was preceded in death by parents, Edith and Henry; sister, Sara Hibberd (husband, James F. Hibberd); and brother, Thomas Long. She is survived by sons, Thomas H. Decker, wife Anne of Hartford. Conn., Hal B. Decker, wife Mary, of Newton, Mass.; five grandchildren, John Henry Decker, Janey Decker Miller and Thomas Harold Decker, Preston Bainbridge Decker, Alison Lucretia Decker: eight great-grandchildren and also survived by nephew, Henry F. Hibberd, Denver, Colo.; niece, Lestra Hibberd Gross, San Antonio, Texas; and friend of family, Merrit Gordon. In earlier summers she enjoyed her family and parent's place at "LongView" Birchwood, Wis., on Big Birch Lake. Her family rest together at Earlham Cemetery and she was a member of First English Lutheran Church. Due to early stressful years and insomnia she was often tired but always pressed on with love and generosity. Few knew that she carried a .25 automatic in her purse, kept a .38 pistol by her bed and was a dead eye shot. Lucretia was fun, laughed easily, opinionated and not one to back down. She was a person whose quirks and worries were often a source of amusement and discussion by her family. She was mischievous, a great travel companion and enriched the Christian spirits of many with her many offers of help, kindness and friendship. Most of all Lucretia was loving and unselfish to a fault, always putting the best interest of family and others above herself. She is greatly missed. Graveside Service: Earlham Cemetery, 1101 National Road West, Richmond, Ind., noon, Sat., Jun, 20, 2009. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com

Lucretia Jane Darst Long

November 9, 1915 - April 14, 2009