James LeRoy "Pete" "Missouri" DePauw

October 24, 1940 - April 16, 2019

James L. “Pete” “Missouri” DePauw, age 78, of Marion, IL, of the Spillertown area, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at 1:56 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at his home. He was born on Thursday, October 24, 1940, in Belgique, MO, the son of Charles Bernard and Irma (Dippold) DePauw. James was united in marriage to Verna Jean Lawrence on Saturday, April 30, 1960, in the Assumption Catholic Church of Perryville, MO, and together they have shared nearly 59 years of marriage. He began his working career in August of 1964, for Allen Industries in Herrin, IL as a Supervisor. In 1994, the family moved to Grant Park, IL, and James began working for Globe Industries of Lowell, IN, as a Supervisor for 7 years until the company downsized. The family returned back to area in 2001, and James began working for Defender’s Security at the Southern Illinois Power Plant for 15 or 16 years until his retirement. James was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Marion. When he was younger he lived outdoors fishing and hunting. James enjoyed camping in the summer months, dancing, watching sports of all kinds but especially was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and New England Patriot Fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR and following driver Jeff Gordon. He loved his family and was always interested in all of their many different activities. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife, Verna J. DePauw of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Kirk Rickert of Goreville, IL; son, Rocky DePauw of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Kerry and Mike Crain of Divernon, IL; daughter, Julie Ullman of Benton, IL and son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Tena DePauw of Johnston City, IL; 10 grandchildren, Rachel (Rickert) Dunning and husband, Troy of Goreville, IL, Ashley (Crain) Becker and husband, Ian of Centralia, IL, Brooke (Rickert) Merrill of Goreville, Il, Fallon DePauw of Benton, IL, Amanda (DePauw) Duke of Metropolis, IL, Erick Crain of Divernon, IL, Brittany (Beers) Castellano and husband, Jonathon of Creal Springs, IL, Erica (DePauw) Casey and husband, Derek of Herrin, IL, Christina (Shadowens) DePauw of Johnston City, IL and Brandon Shadowens and wife, Ashley of Johnston City, IL; 19 great grandchildren, Blaine Dunning, Morgan Dunning and Kaitlynn Dunning all of Goreville, IL, Baylee Duke and Ella Duke both of Metropolis, IL, Trey Vaughn and Kayden Vaughn both of Goreville, IL, Kanyon Becker, Grayson Becker and Addison Becker all of Centralia, IL, Mia Shadowens, Ayden Shadowens and Trenton Shadowens all of Johnston City, IL, Alexis Casey, Natalie Casey and Mason Casey all of Herrin, IL, Izabella Castellano and Ariah Castellano both of Creal Springs, IL and Kylie Merrill of Goreville, IL; sister, Carol Gramlick of Highland, IL; seven sisters-in-law, Virginia Lowes and husband Paul of Perryville, MO, Velma Hayden of Perryville, MO, Reva Boxdorfer and husband Thomas of Bethalto, IL, Evelyn Detjen and husband Raymond of Perryville, MO, Wilma Kline of Perryville, MO, Willene Frost and husband Gary of Hebron, IN and Mary Jane Flengte and husband Kim of Perryville, MO; four brothers-in-law, Jerry Lawrence, Jimmy Lawrence and Roger Lawrence all of Perryville, MO and Ronald Lawrence of St. Louis, MO, other extended family and many friends He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry DePauw; sister, Georgia Foster and two half brothers, Wilbert and Cletus Manche. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The visitation was from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19th, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events on James’ life was presented to the family and friends. The recorded prelude musical selections presented were “Broken Halo” by Chris Stapleton and “In the Arms of An Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. Special recorded musical selections presented during the service were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” both by Elvis Presley. The recorded postlude musical selections presented were “I Will remember You” by Sarah McLachlan and “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Father Brian Barker presiding. The eulogy was presented by James’ granddaughter Ashley (Crain) Becker. A special patriotic tribute to James created by Ian Becker and fellow soldiers stationed in Iraq was presented after Ashley’s tribute. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. Pallbearers were Erick Crain, Troy Dunning, Kanyon Becker, Blaine Dunning, Jonathon Castellano, Derek Casey, Trey Vaughn and Brandon Shadowens. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at Pookie’s Bar and Grill of Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions may be made to “American Cancer Society” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.