Ken Decker (1926-1994) Born: St. Louis, MO; Studied: Portland School of Art (Oregon). Ken Decker grew up in Southern California and after high school went into the United States Navy. He served in the Asian Pacific theatre during World War II and then attended art school on the G.I. Bill after the war. While working as an illustrator in Southern California, he became interested in watercolor painting. Gradually, he developed into a professional watercolorist and art instructor. Although he taught and exhibited all over Western America, he is best remembered in Northern San Dieco County.