Louis Claude "LC" Dechent, Jr.

Louis Claude “LC” Dechent, Jr., 77, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026. Born on August 30, 1948, in Kinston, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Louis Claude Dechent, Sr. and Joyce Gray Young Dechent. He was preceded in death by his sister, Flora Perkins, and his first wife, Patsy King Dechent.

LC graduated from Rappahannock High School in Virginia in 1968. He completed Highway Patrol School and served with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, first stationed in Greensboro and later in Wilmington, where he dedicated more than 28 years to New Hanover County as a respected and exemplary trooper. After retiring from the Highway Patrol, he continued his service to the community as a certified crematory operator with Wilmington Funeral & Cremation and by accompanying numerous veterans to their final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. He retired a second time in 2019.

A man of many talents, LC was an expert marksman, gun collector, and reloading enthusiast. He was a skilled leatherworker who crafted belts for new officers and an avid woodworker who built furniture. He found joy in fishing, boating, cooking for others, and observing wildlife. A devoted member of St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church since 2001, he served as an elder, deacon, cook, and Sunday morning security officer, reflecting his deep commitment to his faith and 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 many cousins, including 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.