Decater Young Agnew, Jr.
September 2, 1947 - April 12, 2026
Decater Young Agnew, Jr. departed this earthly life on April 12, 2026. He was born September
2, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, the beloved son of Decater Young Agnew, Sr. and Rosie Bell
Agnew. He graduated from Clayton High School in Clayton, Missouri, and later attended the
University of Missouri.
Decater resided in Rockford, Illinois for 40 years, having moved from St. Louis, Missouri.
During his early career in St. Louis, Decater made numerous contributions in the field of Media
and Broadcasting. His professional experience included serving as Newswriter for KMOX TV
and Program Director/Radio Announcer for radio station WESL. His work as a Radio Announcer
also extended to major St. Louis and East St. Louis radio stations such as KWK, KATZ, KADI,
WRTH and KATZ, as well as WROK in Rockford. Decater was honored as a pioneer that helped
shaped Black Radio in Missouri, and recognized as one of the top 10 Radio Announcers in St.
Louis.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, Decater owned and founded Marlite Distributing
Company which distributed SCORE beverages in St. Louis. He also owned and operated a food
distribution company called Sandhill where he specialized in marketing and merchandising food
products for local stores in St. Louis, Rockford, and surrounding areas.
Decater will be remembered as an entrepreneur and a trailblazer in both media and business.
He loved music, eating hot dogs when at baseball games, and going to the movies. He
delighted in popcorn, Pepsi, and iced tea.
Decater leaves to cherish many loving memories, daughter, Yvette (Curtis) Wren, sister, Sylvia
D. Davis, his companion of many years, Beth Ann Martin, several grandchildren, a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents,
sister, Rosemary Agnew, brother, Joseph Agnew, and daughter, Sheena Agnew.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Sunset Memorial
Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois 61115.