Memorial

E.J. 'Blackie' Depperschmidt, 78, passed away at his home in El Reno, OK on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. Blackie was born Oct. 31, 1929 in Liebenthal, KS to Andrew and Veronica (Herman) Depperschmidt. Blackie proudly served in the United States Army from April 1948 to April 1955. He was honorably discharged and served in the Korean War. Blackie married the love of his life, Karen Seaman Dechant Depperschmidt on December 27, 1969. They made their homes in Kansas City, Olathe, KS, Yukon, OK, and have resided in El Reno, OK, since 1984. After working for the Xerox Corp. for 15 years, Blackie retired in 1994 and, since that time, he has worked for Yanda & Son Funeral Home. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6478 and a member of the 4th Degree Assembly of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church of Yukon. Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Al and Edwin Depperschmidt; two sisters, Annie Youngs and Lorraine Schaffer. Also preceding him in death was a sister-in-law, Faye Depperschmidt and one grandchild, Nicholas Ratliff. Survivors include his wife, Karen; two sons, Michael J. Dechant and wife Cindy, Mark Dechant and wife Teri; his loving grandchildren, Ashley Dechant, Taylor and Tyler Dechant, Justin Hargis, KC Baxter and Jason Ratliff. Surviving siblings include Ralph Depperschmidt and Marilyn, Mary Steitz and husband Leland, Rita Liggett and husband John, Neva Kreutzer and husband Bob and Wilma Depper- schmidt. Other survivors include Blackie's two great-grandchildren, Madisyn Ratliff and David White, many nieces, nephews, friends and family that loved him and will miss him dearly.