Thomas V. Deckelman

Thomas V. Deckelman, 88, of Odenville, Alabama, died Thursday, April 30, 2026, at his residence.  Mr. Deckelman was born December 14, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee and has been a resident of Odenville for over 13 years.  He was a founding member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Argo, Alabama. In his younger years, he dreamed of becoming a doctor, but after some time in college, he realized medicine wasn't the right path for him. He ultimately found his calling in finance, a career that led him on quite an adventure—he moved thirteen times during his adult life and lived in Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Ohio, West Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. He had a lifelong passion for golf and spent many hours on the course.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Helen I. Gardner Deckelman; three sisters, Maxine Graceau, Fay Baxter and Gloria Higginbotham and four brothers, Conlyn Deckelman, Arthur E. Deckelman, William L. Deckelman and Fred Deckelman.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Waldrop Deckelman of Odenville, Alabama; two daughters, Melanie Deckelman of Barling and Valerie Dark of Jonesboro, Louisiana; two step-sons, Scott Sturgis of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Barry Sturgis of Sonora, California; a sister, Helen I. Wolfe of Richmond, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Virginia Cole of Trussville, Alabama; a granddaughter, Tara Sturgis; a grandson, Michael Sturgis; a great-grandson, Wyatt Sanford; a nephew, Jason Cole and a niece, Jennifer Conn.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Flat Creek Cemetery with Bro. Jessie Charpentier officiating.