John Deghuee, 89

A memorial service for John Deghuee, 89, of Theodosia, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Theodosia United Methodist Church on Highway 160 in Theodosia. Mr. Deghuee died peacefully March 22 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He had been a long-term resident of the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon due to a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born April 6, 1929, in St. Louis, the son of Mabel and Reginal Deghuee. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from what is now Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla. Shortly afterward, he joined the Air Force and became a pilot, flying Air Force helicopters until he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1971. During his Air Force career, he flew numerous rescue missions, including missions flown during the Vietnam War. He was also instrumental in starting the Air Force’s autonomous drone program. He earned many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.

On June 14, 1955, in Dexter, he married Ann ––––––. 

After he retired from the Air Force, the Deghuees moved to San Diego, California, where they raised horses. In 1997, they decided to return to their Missouri roots and bought property in Theodosia, where Mr. Deghuee lived until his Alzheimer’s became too severe and he moved to the Veterans Home. 

He is survived by Ann Deghuee of Theodosia, his wife of 62 years; his children, Michael Deghuee and wife Jennifer of San Jose, California, and Patrick Deghuee of Sacramento, California; and two grandchildren, Rachel Deghuee and Sam Deghuee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Reginald, Joseph and Frederick Deghuee. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423