Charles DeClue

Charles Junior DeClue passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on April 6, 2025, at the age of 76 years and 24 days. He was born to Cleatus Francis DeClue and Mary Emiline (Boyer) DeClue on March 13, 1949, at the old family home place in Richwoods. He had 13 siblings, and his mom and dad also raised two of their grandchildren as their own. 
Charles Junior DeClue was united in marriage to Darlene Glenda Boyster on June 3, 1972 at the St. Louis City Hall. They shared over 52 years together, and 5 children were born to this union. 
Charles loved his precious wife Darlene wholeheartedly, and when he could do something ornery to get a rise out of her, he would get this look on his face, like yeah, I just did that. "Well, daddy, you did it again, this time you left this old earth before momma, and she's not very happy with you right now."
Charles was a true family man, always putting his loved ones first. He found joy in the simple things, he loved cooking dinner for his family where everyone would get together. He loved spending time outdoors with his family. He was an avid hunter, mushroom hunter, and fisherman, and he cherished the memories he made in the woods and on the water. His children and grandchildren live to cherish these precious memories of time spent together with their precious daddy and granddaddy camping, swimming, fishing, or hunting. "Just a few of our memories is the time daddy was swinging on the rope swing and let go to fall into the water, his big toe got caught in the rope, here daddy is swinging back and forth with his head in the water, Pat and Tony had to help get him loose so he wouldn't drown." "One year we camped down at Rivermont and daddy barbequed a bunch of rabbits for the family and all of our cousins to eat on."
Charles worked hard over the years to provide for his family. He worked as a machinist at Bussman Fuse in St. Louis for around 11 years. He had a few odd jobs before he went to work for St. Clair Die Casting in St. Clair in 1980 until his retirement in 2011 at the age of 62, he worked for them for 31 years. If you know Charles he wasn't one to stay at home, he had to be busy so he worked a few other odd jobs after his retirement until he went to work part-time at American Precision Die Casting in Cuba in 2013. He worked at American Precision until he fully retired again in 2024 at the age of 75. Charles attended The Way of Life Tabernacle in Richwoods, and his heart desired to see this little church thrive again.
Those who remain to mourn Charles are his beloved wife, Darlene Glenda (Boyster) DeClue, 5 children Anthony (Tony) Thomas DeClue of Richwoods, Pamela Anne Moeller and husband Walter of Richwoods, Brent Dustin DeClue of Richwoods, Leta Annette Lute and husband Mike of Bonne Terre, Scott Paxton DeClue and wife Christine of Richwoods; grandchildren, Dillon DeClue, Savanna Nelson and husband Johnny, Decota Pruitt and Katie, Shane Lute, and Emma DeClue; great grandchildren Connor Nelson, Rylee Nelson, and soon-to-be baby Felicity Pruitt; 6 sisters ,Virginia Ann Webber of Ellisville, Lena Irene Wells and husband Chet of Richwoods, Cecilia Louise Files of Fenton, Shirley Ann Pelton and husband Gary of Lonedell, Carolyn Lee Pahlmann and husband Gary of Catawissa, Dorothy Jean (DeClue) Eberhart of Richwoods, a niece who was raised like a sister, Linda Brown of Richwoods. 
Charles was preceded in death by his mother Mary Emiline (Boyer) DeClue on February 26, 1998, his father Cleatus Francis DeClue on April 25, 1998, three brothers, Danny Ray DeClue, Lester James DeClue, and Thomas (Bud) Francis DeClue, three sisters Bernice Gertrude DeClue, Betty Lou James, Lillie Marie Arnold, and his nephew Michael James who was raised alongside him.
Visitation for Charles was held Wednesday, April 9th from 4 to 8 P.M. at Moore Funeral Home in Potosi. Visitation resumed the next morning from 9 to 11 A.M. at the same location. 
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 10th at 11 A.M. at Moore Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Boyster officiating. 
Burial and final prayers took place at Horine Cemetery in Richwoods. Serving as pallbearers were Tony DeClue, Brent DeClue, Scott DeClue, Travis Arnold, Mike Lute, Shane Lute, Decota Pruitt and Johnny Nelson. 
All services were under the care and direction of Moore Funeral Home in Potosi.