Naperville man killed in DeKalb County crash

Family and friends are remembering a 74-year-old Naperville man who died Tuesday evening in a DeKalb County car accident.

Donald Decou Jr. was driving north on Leland Road about 5:10 p.m. in the village of Leland when his 1999 Buick Regal was struck by a 2006 Ford F350 heading east on Suydam Road.

Witnesses told DeKalb County sheriff's deputies that Decou's vehicle appeared to roll through a stop sign and pulled in front of the truck driven by Ronald Z. Kern, 29, of Paw Paw.

Decou was pronounced dead at the scene by DeKalb County Coroner Dennis Miller. Kern and his passenger were not injured.

According to the sheriff's report, Decou was not wearing a seat belt.

The accident is still under investigation, authorities said.

Decou's wife, Estalee, said her husband was headed home from Mendota at the time of the crash.

"We have a lake cabin that had some water damage, so he was out there working with a contractor," she said.

The couple, who were married for 52 years, originally are from Connecticut but have lived in Naperville since 1989. They were hoping to return to their summer home in the coming weeks, Estalee said.

Decou also is survived by his children Theresa, Kim and Donald III, and grandchildren Chris, Sam, Roe, Tiffany, Lily and Mark.

"He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids," daughter Kim Decou Sterr said.

Decou spent most of his life working as an engineer for Dunlee, Inc., a manufacturer of medical imaging components. He attended Kansas State University where he received a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a doctorate in physical chemistry.

When Decou wasn't working, Kim said he spent much of his time enjoying his passion for classic cars.

"He had a 1940 LaSalle he would drive all over the country for car shows," she said. "It was a joy of his."

The Decou family said they will hold a memorial, but have not begun making specific plans.