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Duane DeCota
SIKESTON — Duane Curtis DeCota, 89, of Sikeston died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.
Duane was born Sept. 25, 1928, in Alton, Ill., to John and Evelyn DeCota. He graduated from Roxana High School in 1946, received his degree in business from the University of Illinois in 1950 and was a resident of Sikeston for the last 47 years.
Duane was loved and respected by everyone that he met, but no love would be greater than that of his wife and best friend Evelyn. Married in Troy, Ill., in 1950, they enjoyed the adventure of life together for nearly 68 years, living each of those years to the fullest. While raising five children, they ran a successful family business, worked tirelessly in their church and the community and still found time to travel the world. Life with Duane was always an adventure — and Evelyn was his co-pilot.
In Sikeston, Duane made his name as the owner of DeCota Electric Supply. His personal approach to business made him widely respected in the community. With Duane, he often wanted to know more about your family than what your electrical needs were. He genuinely cared for his associates, customers and employees, and he always went the extra mile to say, “Thank You.”
His involvement in Sikeston went far beyond business. As a man of God, he gave a significant amount of time to Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church, working as a youth leader, elder, and deacon. He worked closely with the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in the establishment of the Scott County Health Department and was humbly honored several times for his dedication to the region.
Duane was a one-of-a-kind person who gave exceptional attention to everything that he did. He was extremely charitable with his time and talents. He was a consummate public speaker, master entertainer and a perpetual positive thinker. His traits were contagious, and his natural leadership qualities improved all those around him. His kindness made impacts far beyond measure. A common response when speaking about Duane was, “I don’t know where I would be without Mr. D.” Known or not, lessons learned from him, as well as his generosity, will last for generations.
Through all of this, he was first and foremost a great family man. Everything he did in life was for his family. Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa — he filled each of those unique roles with a vigor and dedication that only he could give and it will never be forgotten. He was loved, and he will be missed tremendously.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn M. DeCota of Sikeston; his children, Quentin C. DeCota of Gordonville, Michelle D. Wilson, Monique J. Rice and Burdette J. DeCota with wife Laura, all of Sikeston. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kimette L. DeCota. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many friends and family all across the region.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Hunter Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sikeston with the Rev. Karen Dumey, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, officiating, and visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall. Mr. D will be laid to rest at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.
Blanchard Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at blanchardfuneral.com.
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Memorial contributions in his honor may be be made to the Memorial Fund at Hunter Memorial Presbyterian Church.