Dennis Raymond "Denny" DeClue

Dennis (Denny) Raymond DeClue, 71, of Columbia, passed away on August 30, 2018, at the University Hospital.

Denny was born August 12, 1947, in Malden, Missouri, to Raymond and Dorthy Wanda (Sutton) DeClue. He was a graduate of Farmington High School and received a bachelor of science in business administration from University of Missouri-Columbia. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Bankok, Thailand. He was honorably discharged.

Denny, also known as "D" to many of his friends, was the owner and operator of Spiffy, a car detailing business in Columbia, for more than 25 years. He also managed and operated The Ranch House Music and Dance Hall in Columbia throughout the 70's and 80's, and his popularity filled the hall to capacity six nights each week.

He was a man of many talents: He was an award-winning bass fisherman, a very successful gardener and landscaper, and an amazing artist. His keen eye and artistic talent were natural gifts, and he produced several oil paintings, drawings and sculptures. Denny was also a superb cook, specializing in fried chicken and chili -- plus peanut butter fudge and a fantastic cream cheese dip every year at Christmastime.

Denny dearly loved his family and took wonderful care of his parents; his siblings, their spouses and families; and his kitties, Jake and Baby. Trips to Silver Dollar City were annual events for many, many years. "D" and his dad always participated in the military ceremony when the park opened in the morning, and he looked forward to being robbed by the "Boland" brothers each and every time the family rode the train through the woods at the venue.

Denny was a kind, kind soul and a really good man. He was extremely proud to have participated just last fall in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. as a Vietnam War Veteran, considering it one of the great honors and highlights of his life. He especially expressed his appreciation for the support and friendship of Katie Roberson, his Guardian on the flight.

A generous son, brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend, he will lovingly be remembered by his mother, Wanda DeClue of Farmington, Mo.; brother, Gary (Susi) DeClue, of Quincy, Ill.; sister, Sandy (Bill ) Brewer of Maryland Heights, Mo; nephew, E.J. (Erin) Brewer; niece, Cara (Adam) Furtwengler; great-nephews: Justin Brewer, Morgan Furtwengler, William Furtwengler; great-niece, Mady Brewer, all of St. Charles, Mo.; and dear friends Paul and Barbara Morefield; Scott and Tracy Massa; and Claret and Beno Lagunas and their families, all from the Columbia area. He was preceded in death by his father.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory; 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65203; (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.ParkerMillard.com.