Virgil C. Dechant (24 September 1930-) was the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus from 21 January 1977 to 30 September 2000, succeeding John W. McDevitt and preceding Carl A. Anderson.
Biography[]
Virgil C. Dechant was born in Antonino, Ellis County, Kansas in 1930, the descendant of German-Russian immigrants. He became vice president of the Vatican Bank, a Gentleman of His Holiness, and a Councillor on the State Council for Vatican City. In 2000, he stepped down as Supreme Knight after 23 years, the longest tenure of any Supreme Knight.