The land for the current airport was utilized as a dairy farm/cheese factory until purchased by the City in September 1944. It was initially developed as a small airfield consisting of a short grass runway, which was eventually expanded with two additional short, grass crosswind runways. Pavement did not appear until 1969 and then only on the main runway. Taxiways were non-existent, aircraft having to use the runway for taxiing, takeoffs and landings. A short turnaround was located at the north end of the main runway. The airport uses were generally limited to small, general aviation type aircraft, homebuilt aircraft, gliders and parachute jumpers. Some limited aircraft maintenance, repair and painting were also accomplished.

 The airport was completely rebuilt and modernized in 1991-1992 with a new 3900 foot runway and taxiway. A new 10 unit T-Hanger, was added in 1998, a beautiful new Terminal building in 2001, and a second new 10 unit T-Hanger in 2002. A paved parking area for automobiles and a new access road capped the 2002 construction.Another feature added in 2002 is an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) which provides immediate weather reporting of current weather conditions at Decatur for pilots and the National Weather Service. This information is also available to anyone by dialing (940) 627-2365.