We Live in Hearts We Leave Behind~Thomas Campbell

A funeral will be held Wednesday, March 19th, 2003 for 67-year-old John A. DeLassus of St. Mary who died Sunday, March 16th at his home.

He was born June 10th, 1935 in Kaskaskia, Illinois, the son of the late Hugo and Clarice (Cole) DeLassus who survives in Chester.

He married Shirley Buchheit on September 18th, 1955. She survives in St. Mary.

Three daughters and sons in law also survive him: Brenda and Lloyd Sutterer of Perryville, Linda and Mike Bloom of St. Mary and Suzanne and Rick Moll of St. Mary.

One son and daughter in law also survive him: Larry and Tammy DeLassus of St. Mary.

One brother, Waldo DeLassus of Chester, Illinois and a sister, Margaret Hendricks, of Virden, Illinois, also survive.

Eleven grandsons, one great granddaughter and five step grandchildren also survive.

A sister, Barbara Dethrow, also preceded him in death.

He was the owner of D and D Cable and Satellite Systems.

He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association, Popular Rotorcraft Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

His first flight was in 1959. He was awarded the 2001 Air Ventura Rotorcraft Award for outstanding workmanship on his modified Scorpion by world-renowned pilot Ken Brock.

Visitation will be 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 18th and 6:30-9:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 19th at the Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville. A Catholic wake will be held Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

A funeral for 67-year-old John A. DeLassus of St. Mary will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kaskaskia, Illinois. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Rev. Kevin Fausz C.M. will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Mineral Area Hospice or to the Immaculate Conception Church.