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- Brigadier General John D. Deaton
John Deaton, fondly called Colonel John, Dad, and Grandpa, passed away on May 30, 2023, at the age of 74. John was born in Effingham, Illinois, on December 21, 1948, to Edone L. and Modena (Faudree) Deaton. During his childhood, his family relocated often due to his father's career in oil production, but his family finally settled in Olney, Illinois.
John graduated from East Richland High School, where he excelled in football, baseball and music, and made lifelong friendships with Wally Eyman, Rick Stivers, and Frank Wasick. Shortly after graduation, John entered community college, where he met the love of his life, Lila. John knew a good thing when he found one so he asked Lila to spend her life with him. They married in March 7th 1970. John continued his education at Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in Political Science and History in 1971. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.
He joined the United States Air Force and flew as a navigator for the KC-135 air tankers and was an instructor for KC-135s. Although his career in the Air Force allowed him to see the world, he was also stationed at the Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews, and finally as part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. John also served in the United States Air National Guard of Illinois, where he was promoted to Brigadier General after 28 years of service. Upon retirement, John started his own business.
John loved his wife, children, and grandchildren unconditionally. He enjoyed being part of the community, visiting friends and family, and attending class reunions. He loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren whenever he could, whether it was attending games, school events, theater productions, fishing, or going to the beach. He loved attending car shows with his Roadrunner. He was also an active church member at St. Matthews Catholic Church, served as a soccer and baseball coach, and as a Boy Scout leader.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edone and Modena Deaton, and his grandson, SGT. Alex Adkins. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Lila, his children, Christine (Donald) Adkins, Matthew (Andrea) Deaton, John Patrick Deaton, Rebecca (Shawn) Rechkemmer, and William Deaton, 14 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, his sister Linda (Gary) Mariconi, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Old Fort Myer Post Chapel. Burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Fisher House.
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1948 - 2023 (74 years)
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