𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫

Charles Benjamin Decker, 44, was born in Prescott, Arizona July 21, 1980 to Don Decker and Christy Sargent of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Charles passed away on November 11, 2024 in Flagstaff.

The public memoriam has been moved to The Orpheum (15 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff AZ 86001) on November 23, 1-6 p.m.

Charles leaves behind a brother, Geron Decker and a sister Jennifer Leigh Antunez of Flagstaff. Charles’ nephews are Taylor Decker and Mikal Antunez of Flagstaff, nieces Mia Fitch of Flagstaff and Lillian Williams of Prescott Valley, Arizona. Charles’ great niece is Harley Decker and great nephews Archie Decker of Flagstaff, Arizona and Angelo Hillman of north Phoenix.

Charles received his B.S. in Marketing from Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado 2017. After this, he enrolled at University of Redlands in California in 2020 but his quest for an MBA was short-lived due to the COVID pandemic.

Charles was well-known for his acrylic paintings featuring the icons of his traditional Dilzhe’e Apache community of Camp Verde such as hummingbirds and scenes of the crown dancers.

The hummingbird series was a favorite of Edgewell Corporation of NYC and the paintings were given as professional recognition awards in world-wide corporate offices.

Charles was also a cultural consultant for Sedona, Arizona resorts providing engaging talks about Apache culture and live paintings.

Charles’ great grandfathers Henry Irving and ‘Esmallie’ (aka as ‘Capt. Smiley’) were scouts for the U.S. Cavalry in Camp Verde during peace time at the end of 1800s.

Charles was an avid fisherman in the lakes surrounding Flagstaff. His favorite hiking spot was the ‘Edge of the World’ overlook south of Flagstaff where he spent time camping and hiking.

Charles was close to his family and he always managed to arrange a barbecue at a moment’s notice. He also spent time with high tech flying kites with family members catching the airwaves over Flagstaff.

Memorial donations can be made to Hope Cottage Women’s Shelter of Flagstaff where his mother is a volunteer.