Allen "Big Al" Depping, age 74, of O'Fallon, born May 8, 1942 in Belleville, Ill., passed away Monday morning, April 17, 2017 at his home.

A longtime resident of O'Fallon, Al was a proud Navy veteran. He was a lifetime member of VFW Mascoutah Post #7682.  He had served four years as commander of Fairview Heights VFW, was Past Commander of VFW District #14, had served as American Legion District Jr. Vice Commander and was currently the Sr. Vice Commander at American Legion Post #137. An avid motorcyclist, Big Al was a charter member of VFW VanderClute Riders, based in Caseyville, a member of Stone Celts HOG Chapter, ABATE Motorcycle group, Road Raptors, O'Fallon Moose Lodge, Patriot Guard Riders and Fairview Heights Elks Lodge.  Al was a former member of Ainad Temple Shriners and was an active member of Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, O'Fallon. His passion was riding his motorcycle wearing his cowboy hat.

Al had been employed by Shell Oil Wood River Refinery Company as an electrician. He greeted friends and new acquaintances with a hug, a smile, and a compliment. He loved camping, deer hunting, and ballroom and country dancing.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward August and Edith, nee Werner, Depping; and his infant grandson Joseph Allen Krismanich.

Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Karen, nee Kurmann (Ahne) Depping, of O'Fallon; his children Christopher Depping, Jennifer (formerly Krismanich), nee Depping, (Jesse) Randolph, step-sons Dean (Kelly) Ahne and Benjamin (Mona Medley) Ahne; his grandchildren Cassandra and Alyssa Randolph, and Shawna and Charles "C.J." Ahne.

Al supported a variety of patriotic endeavors, and it was his wish that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial donations be given to any of the following: Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, American Legion Post 137, O'Fallon Moose, VFW VanderClute Riders, or the Patriot Guard Riders.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, April 21, 2017 at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, 1205 N. Lincoln, O'Fallon. The VFW District 14 will conduct a service at 7 pm, Friday, at the church. The American Legion will conduct a service at 7:30 pm, Friday, at the church. Visitation will continue at 1 pm, Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the church.

Funeral: A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, with Pastor Vern Lintvedt officiating.