Claude Deckard

Claude L. Deckard, 75, of Perryville, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home.

He was born Nov. 19, 1931, in Belleville, Ill., son of Claud and Susan Schaller Deckard. He and Alice F. Maxin were married Sept. 18, 1954.

Deckard worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections at Menard Correctional Facility in Chester, Ill. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the Navy. He was a member of the American Legion Post 133 and the VFW Post 4282. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Illinois Police Association.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Jean and Allen of Altenburg, Mo., and Cathy Hutchison of Woodlawn, Ill.; a son, Michael Deckard of Coulterville, Ill.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville. VFW service is at 6:30 p.m.; parish wake is at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. The Rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Sereno, Mo., with the Rev. Bill Rhinehart officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope cemetery in Perryville with graveside military honors courtesy of American Legion Post 133.