Four members of a De Soto-area family died March 22, 2019, in an automobile accident in Franklin County. Catherine Aurelia “Pee Wee” Mesey, 78, of De Soto; her son, Michael Thomas DeClue, 58, of De Soto; and two of her great-grandchildren: Isaac Dwayne Pratt, 5, and Alayah Lynn Pratt, 4, both of Desloge were killed in the accident.
Catherine Mesey
Mrs. Mesey was a retired stitcher for the De Soto Shoe Factory. Born July 14, 1940, in Racola City, she was the daughter of the late Irene (Robart) and Charles Coleman.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Fred Mesey Jr.
She is survived by three children: Fred Mesey Jr. of De Soto, Daniel “Boomer” Pashia of Hillsboro and James “Tony” Pashia of Old Mines; five siblings: Vincent Coleman of Potosi, David Coleman of Wyoming, Rana Coleman of Old Mines, Mary Merritt of Belgrade and Martha Aubuchon of Potosi; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son: Francis Pashia; two sisters: Imela Boyer and Rita Coleman; and three brothers: Charles Coleman, Joseph Coleman and Jean Coleman.
Michael DeClue
Mr. DeClue was a tree trimmer. Born July 7, 1960, in St. Louis, he was also the son of the late Gene De Clue.
He is survived by three brothers: Fred Mesey Jr. of De Soto, Daniel “Boomer” Pashia of Hillsboro and James “Tony” Pashia of Old Mines.
Isaac and Alayah Pratt
Isaac was born Nov. 4, 2013, in Mesquite, Texas, and Alayah was born Dec. 12, 2014, in Crystal City. They were the children of Paula Mesey of Park Hills and the late Andrew Pratt.
In addition to their mother, they are survived by four grandparents: Tammy Graff of Desloge, Fred Mesey Jr. of De Soto, Darryl Pratt of Fenton and Brenda Ferrell of Nashville, Tenn.; two great-grandparents: Peggy Graff and Lonnie Graff; a brother: McKinley Jones of St. Louis; an aunt: Tiffany Mesey; and four uncles: Ronald Ketterer, Dawson Ketterer, Darrick (Hayleigh) Pratt and Justin (Melanie) Pratt.
They were preceded in death by their great-grandfather: the late Fred Mesey Sr.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto. A memorial service will follow, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.