Johnny DeClerk, beloved father and esteemed community member, dies at 93

John "Johnny" DeClerk died peacefully at his home Dec. 15. He was 93. He is survived by his wife, Wilma "Billie" DeClerk; their children: Debbie Sprecher, Danny DeClerk, Margaret DeClerk, Denise Johnston, Nick DeClerk, Tim DeClerk, Greg DeClerk and Kevin DeClerk; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Mike DeClerk.

Johnny's children remember him as a fun-loving man who always enjoyed a party and took his family on cross-country road trip adventures. His grandchildren enjoyed visiting with Papaw during the holidays and taking canoe trips with him on the Eleven Point River.

Johnny was born June 23, 1924 in Pocahontas, where he was a lifelong resident. He was the youngest of Bernard and Catherine DeClerk's eight children. He served in the U.S. Army Combat Engineers during World War II in both Europe and the South Pacific.

In 1947, Johnny married the love of his life, Billie, and together, they raised nine children. Along with his wife, he was a faithful Catholic and an active member of St. Paul's Catholic parish. He received the 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus.\t
Johnny left an enduring stamp on the Pocahontas community. After earning his pharmacy degree from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, he owned and operated Palace Pharmacy from 1951 until 1991. He then focused on real estate development. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club since 1951, a member of the City Council for six years, chairman of the Airport Commission and president of the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce.

During the last years of his life, Johnny bravely battled prostate and bone cancer, but he never ceased to lovingly care for Billie. His life will continue to inspire his many friends and family members, who miss him dearly.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at McNabb Funeral Home with a Rosary service beginning at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul Catholic Church with Father Vallapaneni Mariadass officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.