Emiel Jeffery DeClercq of Alhambra, Il, died at 3:45am on Friday, June 27th 2014 at John Cochran VA hospital in St. Louis MO. He was born July 9th, 1943, to Emiel John DeClercq and Vera Viola (Tyng) DeClercq in Princeton, Il. He was preceeded in death by both his mother and father and also his sister Linda McGrew. He was raised in Kewanee, Il. and attended school there. He enlisted in the Air Force and obtained his GED while serving his country. On November 20th, 1976, he was married to Carol Ann Hoog of Staunton Il. and she survives. He spent his life working in factories. At John Deere foundry in Moline Il., at Shelco Systems in Kewanee, and Kewanee Farm Equipment. He was a member of the First Baptist church in Mt. Olive Il. He loved being with his grandchildren, fishing, and his dogs. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Jennifer (Francis) Blodgett of Metropolis, Il., granddaughter Mariah of Metropolis, Il., grandson Allen (Tori) Nelson of Shreveport, LA., grandson Tyler (Kristy) Nelson of Italy. Brothers Dennis (Becky) DeClercq of Brownsburg, IN., David (Tami) DeClercq of Arlington, TX. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist church in Mt. Olive on Tuesday July 1st at 11am. Military rites and burial will be on July 25th, 2pm at Jefferson Barracks National cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist church of Mt. Olive.