Michael Ryan Decker

Michael R. Decker, 35, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

Born September 29th, 1990, Michael was the beloved son of Erin Harrington, and stepfather Jason Harrington (Bobbie Palmer). He served in the United States Army and completed the Bluegrass Challenge Academy.

Michael’s greatest joy in life was being a father. He and Katie Sullivan cherished parenting Cameron and Melody Decker together, and anyone who had the chance to talk to Michael knew how proud of and in love with both of his children he was. Every step he pushed forward had them in mind.

Art brought a lot of happiness to Michael’s life. He was deeply rooted in the music scene in both Louisville and Seattle, performing at many different venues. He was always ready to create a new sound with anyone willing to play and typically had his eye on a good show he couldn’t wait to see, even if it meant travelling a few hours to get there. He enjoyed creating visual art, writing poetry, growing plants, and just generally creating things.

Michael was a very brilliant person, often spending hours researching topics of interest, and able to teach you about things you didn’t even know existed. He was a great listener and never judgmental. He was a loyal friend who showed love to everyone he met with no regard to where they came from or what they looked like. He treated everyone with equal respect, offering those who would hear it the most delightfully contagious laugh. He lived his life with a deep empathy for others, and a positive outlook during even the darkest times. Michael was truly a good man.

Michael is survived by his children, Cameron and Melody Decker (Katie Sullivan); mother, Erin Harrington; stepfather, Jason Harrington (Bobbie Palmer); sisters, Caylin Neideffer (Brayden Neideffer), Ashley Harrington, and Noelynn Harrington; brother, Logan Harrington; grandmothers, Pati Whitehouse Hatton and Carolyn Tanner; nieces, Aubrey Graham, Emelia Neideffer, and Remi Harrington; nephew, Dayson Neideffer; and a host of extended family and close friends. He will be missed dearly, and the world will always be dimmer without his light in it.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”

― Hunter S. Thompson