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Herman A. 'Art' Dechent Barboursville, VA QCWA # 24574 |
Herman Arthur 'Art' Dechent Jr. lost his battle with leukemia on Wednesday, July 11, 2012.
Art, the son of the late Herman Arthur and Nolie Burt Dechent was born on July 14, 1921 in Buie's Creek, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis and James Dechent and his daughter, Lorene Alysia Dechent Shinsky. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne Jones Dechent; a daughter, Patricia Anne and her husband, Donald Reed of Gordonsville; a son, Sidney Arthur and his wife, Elizabeth Isham Dechent of Richmond; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Reed Thomas and her husband, Houston Thomas of Richmond, Paul and his wife, Camelia Heade Dechent of Ashburn, Jonathan and David Dechent both of Richmond; two brothers, William Dechent of Richmond and Ernest Dechent of Falston, North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews all survive. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather to his children and to the 'extra children' who called him Dad and Granddad.
A veteran of World War II, he served in Africa and Italy with the U.S. Army.
During his forty years in the ministry he served at five churches in Virginia and North Carolina. In 2004 Barboursville Baptist Church honored him with Pastor Emeritus. He was an active member of the Masons and served many years as Grand Chaplain in the Royal Arch Masons and as Grand Prelate in the Grand Commandery. He was honored as Grand Chaplain Emeritus in 2011 and Grand Prelate Emeritus in 2004.
The family will receive friends Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 7:00-9:00 P.M. at the Ryan Funeral Home, 12819 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 16, 2012 at the Ryan Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Shelar officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens.