William Rainer DeClerk, 86, of Pocahontas departed this life on February 14, 2024, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.
Rainer was born to the late William Anthony DeClerk and Mary Anna Schmidt DeClerk on July 31, 1937, in Pocahontas, AR.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Anthony, and Mary Anna DeClerk; Sisters; Mary Catherine Knotts, Dorothy Fee, and Betty Jane Colemen; Brother Bernard DeClerk; sons, Tony DeClerk and Terry DeClerk; grandsons, Cullen DeClerk, Sam DeClerk and Jordan DeClerk.
He is survived by his wife, Sue DeClerk of the home; children, Reynae (Jim) Bennett of Olive Branch, MS, Mark (Cassandra) DeClerk of Owasso, OK., Karen (Kevin O’Neill) DeClerk of Boulder, CO., Keith (Amy) DeClerk of Heber Springs, AR., and Christopher (Aaron) DeClerk of Colleyville, TX.; grandchildren, Curt Russell, Jason Russell, Daniel Bennett, Crystal Abernathy, Brandon Barker, Hannah Miller, Abigail DeClerk, Caitlyn Barker, Thomas Savord, Alex DeClerk and Logan DeClerk; twelve great grandchildren.
Rainer was a devoted husband to Sue for 68 years and loving father to all seven of his children. His passions in life were his family, Catholic faith, singing, being outdoors, guns, rebuilding antique automobiles, and people.
He strongly believed in “giving back” to your church and community. As a lifelong member of Saint Paul Parish, he served in various positions including, Boy Scout Leader, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (68-year member), cornerstone member of the adult choir (joining at 13 years old), and well known for singing at countless weddings and funerals. He served on the Pocahontas city council for 28 years championing multiple civic projects.
His life was a demonstration of integrity, love, respect for others, and hard work. He will be missed by his family and many many others. We take joy knowing that he is now singing in God’s heavenly choir.
Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, February 19, 2024, with a Rosary starting at 7:00 P.M. at St. Paul Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Archbishop Peter Sartain officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.
Honored to serve as Pallbearers are: Curt Russell, Jason Russell, Alex DeClerk, Logan DeClerk, Brandon Barker, Travis DeClerk, Ben DeClerk & Joe Bergman.