WILMNINGTON — Louis Claude “LC” Dechent, Jr., 77, of Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully Wednesday March 4, 2026.
Born in Kinston, NC August 30, 1948, he was the son of the late Louis Claude Dechent, Sr. and Joyce Gray Young Dechent, also proceeding him in death are his sister, Flora Perkins and his wife, Patsy King Dechent.
LC graduated from Rappahannock High School in Virginia in 1968 and completed Highway Patrol School before serving with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol stationed in Greensboro. After moving to Wilmington, he served New Hanover County for more than 28 years and was respected as a dedicated and exemplary trooper. He was well known at Whitey’s Restaurant, where he enjoyed many meals and conversations with friends.
After retiring from the Highway Patrol, LC continued to serve the community in several roles, including being a certified crematory operator with Wilmington Funeral & Cremation where he took great pride in his work and also accompanied many veterans to their final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. He retired a second time in 2019.
LC was skilled in many crafts and hobbies. He was an expert marksman, gun collector, and reloading enthusiast; a talented leatherworker who made belts for new officers; and an avid woodworker who enjoyed building furniture. He loved fishing, boating, cooking for others, and observing wildlife.
A devoted member of St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church since 2001, LC served as an elder, deacon, cook, and Sunday morning security officer. He was deeply committed to his faith and his church community.
LC is survived by his wife, Vicci Dechent; stepdaughters Tina Anderson (Andy), Kelly Schwartzel (Harold Maki), and Angela Roberts (Nicholas); grandchildren Caitlin Kirkland (Cameron), Rachel Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, Abbott Schwartzel, Campbell Schwartzel, and Bennett Roberts; and great-granddaughter Clara Kirkland. He is also survived by cousins Lois Dechent, Mary Washburn (Edward), William Hawkins (Judy), Susan Hawkins, Ralph Gray (Karen), Kathy Benson, Elizabeth Dechent (Art), Mark Towery, Pat Reed (Don), Elizabeth Howell (Christian), and Semara Thomas.
A memorial service in celebration of LC’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1416 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401.
In honor of LC’s love of community service, the family ask that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
