Agape Flights Family,
Today, our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of two incredible men, Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby. Both faithfully answered the call God placed on their lives and gave themselves fully to it. They served with humility, loved without reservation, and ran their race with perseverance. We hold solace in the fact they were welcomed at the gates of Heaven with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servants.” They were more than Agape Flights pilots. They were our brothers in Christ, devoted servants of God, and men who lived out their faith with sincerity and courage.
Patrick Decker
Patrick was first and foremost a loving and dedicated husband to Kathy for 40 beautiful years and a proud father to their two grown children. His family was the center of his world. If you knew Patrick, you knew how deeply he loved; steadily, faithfully, and without needing recognition. Service wasn’t something Patrick did. It was who he was.
He flew for United Airlines for 40 years and one month, a career that reflected both his incredible skill and his steady confidence in the cockpit. Flying was not just a job to him; it was something he truly loved. One of Patrick’s greatest joys in his final months at United was getting to fly as Captain while his son served as First Officer. Sharing the cockpit together was more than a professional milestone; it was a deeply meaningful season for both of them. To sit side by side, doing what he loved most with one of the people he loved most, was a gift Patrick treasured.
After the tragedy of 9/11, Patrick was among the first pilots granted clearance to return to flying at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. That moment required courage and trust, and Patrick carried both with quiet strength. He also volunteered to be a part of a special program within the FAA, taking on the responsibility of protecting others in the face of potential danger. That was Patrick, always willing to step forward when something needed to be done. And as remarkable as his aviation career was, it was only part of his story.
Patrick served as a firefighter for 50 years, including as Fire Chief for Sparta, New Jersey in 1996. For five decades, he ran toward emergencies when others were running away. He led with strength, but also with compassion. When Patrick and Kathy moved to Florida ten years ago, he did not slow down. Nine years ago, he became a volunteer pilot with Agape Flights, and he faithfully served each week in cargo as well. He was the kind of man you could always count on. If something needed fixing, organizing, or just plain doing, Patrick was there. He baked pies for Pie in the Sky. He helped a fellow volunteer install a toilet without hesitation. He showed up early. He stayed late. He never needed applause. He just loved helping.
Patrick and Kathy loved to travel and ride their bikes around town. Wherever they went, joy seemed to follow. You could often hear Patrick before you saw him. His booming, unmistakable voice filling the room, usually followed by laughter. He had a presence that made you feel safe, welcomed, and included. We will miss him more than we can put into words. Patrick lived a life that mattered. Not because of titles or accomplishments, though there were many, but because of the way he showed up for people. He served faithfully. He loved deeply. He gave generously of his time, his strength, and his heart. And that kind of life leaves a mark that will never fade.
Kory Elleby
Kory was a devoted husband, a loving and proud father of two grown sons, and a caring presence in his mother’s life. He approached life and his call to serve with Agape Flights with wholehearted devotion.
In 2016, he and his wife, Ruthie, relocated from Illinois to Venice, Florida, where they founded Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc. What began as a modest venture grew into a trusted and respected business serving Venice and the surrounding communities. From the outset, Kory built the company on two guiding principles: loving God and serving people well. That commitment was evident in every project, every conversation, and every relationship he cultivated.
Kory flew with Agape Flights for eight years, and aviation was one of his greatest joys. His passion for flying began early, he earned his pilot’s license even before obtaining his driver’s license and flying remained a defining part of his life. He possessed a rare gift for making strangers feel like lifelong friends, leaving people everywhere he went feeling encouraged, valued, and truly seen. Kory carried a servant’s heart into every space he entered and often said that flying with Agape Flights was not simply a role, but his calling that he deeply cherished.
All of us at Agape Flights will miss his kindness, his unwavering humor, and even his bold, unforgettable shirts. Kory faithfully served the Kingdom of God, and his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched with every encounter.
God called these men to serve, and they responded without hesitation. Though their lives ended in tragedy, their faithfulness and obedience will continue to live long after this moment. They lived everyday with purpose, served God with conviction, and placed their trust fully in the Word of God. Today, we grieve their loss and honor the lives they poured out in service to Him. Our hearts are hurting, yet we hold fast to hope, knowing that these faithful servants are now home, resting in the presence of the One they loved and served so faithfully every flight.
-Agape Flights
