Charles Henry Mahoney (May 29, 1886 – January 29, 1966) was an American attorney, politician, and businessman, and the first African American appointed as a delegate to the United Nations. Mahoney was also the first African American to serve on the Detroit Planning Commission, the Wayne County Board of Supervisors and the Michigan Labor Council. Mahoney was born in Decatur, Michigan, on May 29, 1886, to Barney, and his wife, Viora Simpson. Mahoney attended grade school in Decatur. He attended Olivet College where he was renowned by professors as giving the best speech in the history of the college. He later received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University, before going on to attend law school at the University of Michigan where he graduated in 1911.

Reference: Wikipedia

Marion Davis was a teacher and principal at DPS for most of his career. He was a gentle person who always cared for the students and staff. He retired in 1971 from education and the elementary building was renamed in his honor.

Edgar Bergen (February 16, 1903 – September 30, 1978) was an American ventriloquist, comedian, actor, vaudevillian and radio performer. He spent his early years in Decatur, MI before his family moved back to Sweden. He was best known for his characters Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. Bergen pioneered modern-day ventriloquism and has been described by puppetry organization UNIMA as the “quintessential ventriloquist of the 20th century”. He was the father of actress Candice Bergen.

References: Wikipedia, Eddie In Decatur Documentary (YouTube)

Jack Gleason began his teaching career in 1962 at Decatur Public Schools. Over the course of his 34-year career, Jack taught physical education, health and safety, and driver’s education. He also coached wrestling, football, and baseball. The baseball field remains named after Jack as a remembrance to everything he gave the district.

Steve Athey was a 1998 graduate of DPS a scholar student athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and track. He was loved by all who knew him, and he volunteered at school and in the community after graduation. Unfortunately, he was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 2003, and the Steve Athey Memorial Sports Complex remains dedicated to his memory of being a true Raider.

The Decatur Public Schools wish to recognize and thank Henry Upjohn II and the workers of Special-Lite, Inc. for helping make the Media Center a reality. As part of this recognition the Media Center has been named The Henry L. Upjohn II Media Center.