Thomas DeClue
Moro |
Thomas "Tom" F. DeClue, Jr., 74, of Moro, passed away at 6:00 am on Monday, January 8, 2024, at his residence surrounded by God, his loving wife and family.
He was born on May 18, 1949, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Thomas F. and Eulene M. (Klaus) DeClue, Sr. Tom married Marie Barron on June 18, 1971, at Christ the King Catholic Church in University City, MO.
Tom was deep rooted in his Catholic Faith, first attending St. Matthews in Alton, IL and then Chaminade High School in Creve Coeur, MO. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1972. Tom briefly worked for Marco Sales before joining his father at General Refrigeration in 1976. He expanded General Refrigeration, adding engineering, piping, excavation, plumbing, and many other services to the company. When Tom received his plumbing licenses from the state of Illinois, the company changed its name to GRP Mechanical, originally based in East Alton, IL. In 1998 the company expanded its operations into Bethalto growing to one of the largest mechanical construction companies in the greater St. Louis area.
Tom’s love of racing saw him in the late 90’s racing Silver Crown Sprint Cars and drag racing his old 56’ Chevy two door. After Tom retired at GRP, he restored his 56’ Chevy panel delivery with help from his friends. Tom also loved the outdoors. Boating in the Ozarks, trout fishing in Missouri with friends and family and countless fishing trips with his sons as well as spending time with his grand dogs Barron, Drake and Hank.
Tom was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4688 in Bethalto and a 4th Degree Knight of Assembly 203.
Regardless of any other priority, distraction in life, sickness, business, or challenge, Tom maintained an unwavering commitment to say his prayers every single day. His love of God, friends, family, and generosity for others are what made Tom.
Along with his wife Marie, he is survived by three sons, Tom (Jenny) DeClue III of Moro, Michael (Nancy) DeClue of Bethalto, and Christopher (Mindy) DeClue Sr. of Bethalto; six grandchildren, Brianna (Cameron) Zyung, Thomas (Macie) DeClue IV, Cole DeClue (Fiancé Meredith Flack), Christopher DeClue Jr., Emily DeClue, and Ryan DeClue; two great-grandchildren, Daisy and Malachi Zyung, his sisters, Linda Dyson of Missouri, Diane (Dan) Montoya of Virginia, Julie (Pat) Eddins of Missouri, and Suzy Lucas of Brighton, IL, sister-in-law Vallie DeClue of Otterville, IL, sister in law Ellen Barron Feldman of Missouri, and brothers in law Denis (Diane) Barron, Gary Barron, Mike (Bridget) Barron and Mark (Susie) Barron all of Missouri.
He was preceded in death by parents Tom Sr. and Eulene, brother Jeff DeClue, Marie’s parents Osmond and Rosemary Barron, and brother-in-law Rick Feldman.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 2 to 5 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 10 am, with Father Tom Liebler as celebrant. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.
Memorials are suggested to Our Lady Queen of Peace, Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, New York, and/or Maryknoll Sisters of Maryknoll, New York.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
