William Richard “Dick” DeClue, 84, of Festus died Jan. 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. DeClue was a captain for the Mehlville Fire Protection District where he served 38 years, retiring in 1997. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Festus Fire Department from 1959 until 1981 when he entered reserve status. He served as chief for Festus from 1974 to 1977, having built the current firehouse under his guidance. He also was a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy, a reserve officer for the Festus Police Department, an adjunct professor of fire science at Jefferson College and a mechanic for the family business, DeClue Motor Service. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City, Elks Lodge 1721 and a 50-year member of Shekinah Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, feeding the birds and squirrels and spending time with his granddaughters, family and friends. Born Nov. 3, 1940, in Pevely, he was the son of the late Eva (Gilliam) and William Godfrey DeClue.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years: Betty Lee (Rudisaile) DeClue.
He is survived by a daughter: Elizabeth “Beth” DeClue-Southard of Festus; twin granddaughters: Kathryn “Kate” Southard and Emily Southard, both of Festus; double cousin: Donald (Karen) DeClue; and many other family members and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. until a funeral service at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Deacon Greg Sullivan of First Baptist Church. Additionally, a Festus Fire Department memorial service and Elks 721 memorial service are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorials may be made to the BackStoppers, Inc. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.