David Decareaux and sons - died on the trails in Missouri

David Decareaux, age 36, and his sons Dominic, age 10 and Grant, age 8, died on January 13, 2013, in the Ozark Mountains of southeast Missouri. 

David, his wife and their five children were from Millstadt, Illinois, and were in Missouri for a family trip and to go hiking. They were staying at an Ozark's Lodge.

On January 12, 2013, David and the two boys went for a hike and were reported missing after they failed to return home that night.

When they left in the morning, it was near 60 degrees. They were last seen by a passer-by at about 2 p.m. on Saturday on top of Sutton's Bluff. At the time it was raining, and the passer-by asked if they needed a ride. David told the gentleman they could make it back. 

David Decareaux knew the popular trail but apparently took a wrong turn and was ill-equipped for temperatures that sank from 60 degrees to the 20's as the day progressed. Heavy rain also began to fall, making the trail all but impassable.

Rescue crews found David, Dominic and Grant on a rocky bluff the next morning. David was pronounced dead at the scene and the boys later died at a hospital. The cause of death was hypothermia.

David was an Air Force veteran, who was currently working with the Defense Department.

Family members describe David as always on the go and adventurous. He was a doting father, a loving husband and a spiritual man. 

Light a candle for David, Dominic
and Grant.  Light their way to Heaven

Dominic and Grant are described as precious boys who were bright and energetic.

David is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife Sarah and their 3 living children.

Pray for those who die young and tragically.  

Pray for those who die by misadventure.  They are with us one moment and gone the next. 

Let us pray that David Decareaux is in heaven with Dominic and Grant. Let us pray that they are at peace and are with God. Amen.