Gerald Octavis DeClue Sr. was the third son born to Ersphine Johnson DeClue and James Franklin DeClue Sr. on February 3, 1931 in Saint Louis, MO.
Gerald was a product of the St. Louis Public schools attending Riddick Elementary School and graduated from Sumner High School in 1949. He attended Ludwig College of Music, receiving a Bachelor in Music Education in 1953. After receiving his degree, Gerald enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon returning from service to his country, Gerald went on to further his education at St. Louis University, earning a Master of Education degree in 1965. While in college Gerald became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1951 and continued as an Omega Elite after retirement.
Gerald served honorably in many educational positions in the Saint Louis Public School District, cumulating in 36 years of service where he completed his career as the Divisional Director of Recruitment and Counseling. He was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) where he taught the first Black History course from 1969 – 1972.
June 28, 1953, Gerald was joined in holy matrimony to Barbara Terrell. To that union were born a daughter, Rochelle Yvette DeClue and a son Gerald O. DeClue Jr. His son Gerald Jr. proceeded him in death (1991).
Gerald joined Cote Brilliant Presbyterian Church in 1963 under the leadership of Reverend William Gillespie. Over the years he became very active in church serving in the roles of deacon and elder. He sang in the men’s choral ensemble and faithfully taught the men’s bible study every Saturday from 1999 until 2016.
In 1975, Gerald was united in holy matrimony to Laura Henry and became a devoted step-father to her children Ronald Henry, Karla (Henry) Thompson, and Paul Henry. They would spend the next 40 years together building and blending a loving Christian family home. After retirement, Gerald and Laura both spent time volunteering in the north St. Louis community.
On February 4, 2016, the day after his 85th birthday, Gerald went home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory, His wife Laura, a daughter, Rochelle, step-daughter Karla, step sons, Ronald and Paul (Alicia), grandsons Gerald III (Brittany), Franklin, granddaughters Jeanne-Marie, Kaila, Cristina, (Ronald’s children) two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be missed.
