Catherine Mesey, Michael DeClue, Isaac and Alayah Pratt

By Kevin Jenkins | March 28, 2019 |

DE SOTO — Four members of a De Soto-area family died March 22, 2019, in an automobile accident in Franklin County. Catherine Aurelia “Pee Wee” Mesey, 78, of De Soto, her son, Michael Thomas DeClue, 58, of De Soto and two of her great-grandchildren, and Isaac Dwayne Pratt, 5, and Alayah Lynn Pratt, 4, both of Desloge.

Catherine Mesey

Mrs. Mesey was a retired stitcher for the De Soto Shoe Factory. Born July 14, 1940, in Racola City, she was the daughter of the late Irene (Robart) and Charles Coleman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Mesey Jr.; a son, Francis Pashia; two sisters, Imela Boyer, and Rita Coleman; and three brothers, Charles Coleman, Joseph Coleman, and Jean Coleman.

Mrs. Mesey is survived by three children, Fred Mesey Jr. of De Soto, Daniel “Boomer” Pashia of Hillsboro, and James “Tony” Pashia of Old Mines; five siblings, Vincent Coleman of Potosi, David Coleman of Wyoming, Rana Coleman of Old Mines, Mary Merritt of Belgrade, and Martha Aubuchon of Potosi; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Michael DeClue

Mr. DeClue was a tree trimmer. Born July 7, 1960, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Gene De Clue.

Mr. DeClue is survived by three brothers, Fred Mesey Jr. of De Soto, Daniel “Boomer” Pashia of Hillsboro, and James “Tony” Pashia of Old Mines.

Isaac and Alayah Pratt

Isaac was born November 4, 2013, in Mesquite, Texas, and Alayah was born December 12, 2014, in Crystal City. They were the children of Paula Mesey of Park Hills and the late Andrew Pratt.

In addition to their mother, they are survived by four grandparents, Tammy Graff of Desloge, Fred Mesey Jr. of De Soto, Darryl Pratt of Fenton, and Brenda Ferrell of Nashville, Tennessee; two great-grandparents, Peggy Graff, and Lonnie Graff; a brother, McKinley Jones of St. Louis; an aunt, Tiffany Mesey; and four uncles, Ronald Ketterer, Dawson Ketterer, Darrick (Hayleigh) Pratt, and Justin (Melanie) Pratt.

They were preceded in death by their great-grandfather, Fred Mesey Sr.

A memorial gathering is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main Street in De Soto. A memorial service will follow, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.