Carole Jean Deckard

Carole Jean Deckard, 86, passed away on May 4th, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. 

Carole and her twin brother, Buddy, were born on January 21st, 1937, to Clarence and Mary Cox in Kansas City, Missouri.

Carole was always very active and enjoyed both playing and watching sports. She played on the girls' basketball team during high school, with whom she still stayed in contact. It was during the basketball season that she met her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, who also happened to play for an opposing team, Jay Don Deckard. Together they were blessed with two children -- Donna and Randy. After the birth of her children, she spent much of her time as a homemaker caring for her family, but she did work for a brief time selling makeup for Avon and she even operated a root beer stand - though she never cared much for the drink.

Family, especially her grandchildren were everything to her. She was relentless in keeping up with family traditions; never forgetting a birthday or anniversary. She was generous with both her time and energy - if you were ever downtrodden or sick she was always there to care for you. Her unconditional love and great sense of humor were infectious among those closest to her. 

In addition to making sure that everyone around her was cared for she took great pride in caring for herself as a friend of Bill W. for the past 48 years.

Travelling was an important part of Carole's life and she loved to experience the world. She frequently traveled with her family on trips across the country to see their sporting events and band performances. Carole also enjoyed daily visits to the Parkville YMCA with her husband, sunbathing at Lake of the Ozarks, reading books from her local library, making lists to stay organized, and catching the latest Chiefs or Royals game.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert “Bob” Cox and Charles “Buddy” Cox; and husband, Jay Don Deckard. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Donna (Geoff) Westfall and Randy (Tara) Deckard; grandchildren, Alexander Deckard, Sarah Westfall, Graham (Jensynn) Deckard, and Shelby Westfall; and many extended family and friends.

To honor Carole's life, a Visitation will be held for family and friends on May 9th, 2023 from 1-2 PM at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 801 NW 108th St, Kansas City. A Celebration of Life ceremony will then take place from 2-3 PM in the same location, with burial following. Donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association In memory of Carole’s late husband and a cause near and dear to her and her family.

Carole Jean Deckard will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Her kind spirit will live on through the memories she made with those she left behind.