Francis Walter DeClue

Francis Walter DeClue, also known to many as “Frankie”, of Richwoods was born on June 25, 1932 in Richwoods, a son to the late Joseph Harrison and Mary Elizabeth (Courtaway) DeClue. Frankie went to his Heavenly Home on February 6, 2021 having reached the age of eighty-eight years, seven months and twelve days.

Frankie is survived by his three children, Dennis (Mildred) DeClue, Philip DeClue and Donna (Rev. Harry) Gamble; fifteen grandchildren, Patrick Gamble, Misty Henry, Dawn DeClue, Melody Caron, Ricky “Bubby” DeClue, Karen DeClue, Christina Gilbert, Charles Walter DeClue, Dennis Wayne DeClue, Amy Thompson, Laura Toombs, Nathaniel DeClue, Alicia Brianna Faith Bowles, Sabrina DeClue and Adam DeClue. Frankie is also survived by many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Frankie is preceded in death by his parents; wife of fifty-nine years, Patsy (King) DeClue, sons, Ricky DeClue and Frankie Steven DeClue; grandchildren, Christopher Parker Gamble and Nena DeClue; stepfather, Patrick Rulo; siblings, Blanch Messex, Elmer DeClue, Lucinda McCrary, Margaret Mitchell and Arthur DeClue.

Bro. Frankie DeClue gave his heart to the Lord Jesus in 1959 at the age of 27 years. He founded and pastored his first apostolic church in Springtown in 1971. In 1990 he founded and pastored The Way of Life Tabernacle in Richwoods until he stepped down due to his changing health. He remained a member of The Way of Life Tabernacle and the Apostolic Church in Jesus Christ at Richwoods until his death. Bro. Frankie also evangelized for many years, preaching in brush arbors, tents and in the open air.

Visitation was held on Thursday, February 11th from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at DeClue Funeral Home, Potosi. Visitation resumed Saturday, February 12th from 9 to 11 a.m.

A funeral service was held on Friday, February 12th at 11 a.m. in the DeClue Chapel with Bro. David Godat officiating. Interment followed at Horine Cemetery in Richwoods.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully cared for by DeClue Funeral Home.