ST. MARY'S, Mo. -- John A. DeLassus, 67, of St. Mary's died Sunday, March 16, 2003, at his home.

He was born June 10, 1935, at Kaskaskia Island, Ill., son of Hugo and Clarice Cole DeLassus. He and Shirley Buchheit were married Sept. 18, 1955.

DeLassus owned and operated D&D Cable and Satellite Systems. He was a pilot and made his first flight in 1959. He received the 2001 Air Ventura Rotocraft Award.

He was a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Popular Rotocraft Association, and Experimental Aircraft Association.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Brenda Sutterer of Perryville, Linda Bloom and Suzanne Moll of St. Mary's; a son, Larry DeLassus of St. Mary's; his mother of Chester, Ill.; a brother, Waldo DeLassus of Chester; a sister, Margaret Hendricks of Virden, Ill.; 11 grandsons; a great-granddaughter; and five stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4 to 9 p.m. today, and 6:30 to 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. The wake will be at 7 tonight.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Kaskaskia. The Rev. Kevin Fausz will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.