Clarence Louis "Clancy" DeDecker

Clarence  Louis "Clancy" DeDecker, 76, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Born on March 6, 1948, in Appleton, WI, Clancy was the son of the late Beatrice (Alick) DeDecker and the late Clarence DeDecker. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and served two tours in Vietnam. He was a well-known and respected dog handler in both the war and his career in law enforcement as a U.S. Customs Inspector. His career gave him the opportunity to live in a variety of beautiful coastal areas including the Bahamas.

Clancy’s love of skiing took him to many of the most famous mountains in Europe. When Charleston became his home, he enjoyed taking his kayak out to explore the Ashley River. Taking care of his treasured home and gardens gave him great joy. He was renowned in his neighborhood for his daily three-mile “rain or shine” walks, which were part of his repertoire for the 20 years since retirement.

Regular happy hours with his best bud, Gordon, and a pint of Yuengling rounded out many a day. He always knew he was welcome at Gordon and Kathy’s home for an amazing home cooked meal. There was nothing he loved more than spending time laughing and drinking with family and friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by parents Clarence (1955) and Beatrice (1983), older brothers John (2001) and William (2022), as well as his work mates (dogs) Blackie and Dewey.

Clarence is survived by 2 sisters, Gloria Maves (William) of Menasha, WI and Betty Konrad (Paul) of Neenah, WI; 2 brothers, Daniel DeDecker (Rebecca Seif) of Combined Locks, WI and Steven DeDecker (Susan Maedke) of Yuma, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

Clancy’s life was significantly enhanced when he met his very dear friend Katherine “Kate” Adams. Kate, her daughter Elizabeth Williams and husband Robert, their two children, Liam and Katherine, invited him into their lives and gave him many years of joy. The undeniable bond between Liam and Clancy held an extra special place in Clancy’s heart.

A military graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

And if you’ve read this far, know that he’d tell you, “It’s totally irrelevant!” If you knew him, you know!

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.