Charles E. Deaton, Jr.

SFC Charles E. Deaton, Jr. died March 6, 2025, with his wife and sister-in-law at his side. Born on October 24, 1946, in Mount Mary Hospital in Hazard, KY to Charles E. Deaton, Sr. and Vera Felice Deaton, he was one of 9 brothers and sisters. He married Nancy Kennedy Deaton and had Gwendolyn Renee Deaton and Charles E. Deaton, III. Gwen had daughter Davita, and Davita had great-granddaughter Jozi who died at birth. He also had another daughter Leslie (Rowe) Lagomarsino.

He enlisted in the US Army in March 1966 and retired in March 1986. He spent 4 years in Dillsboro IN, and Ft Bliss, TX, and 16 years in Germany, where he traveled much of Europe and worked part time at woodworking shops. He took endless correspondence courses to earn Pro Pay and thousands of hours of college classes.

His Army achievements include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (Sixth Award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon "2", NCO Professional Development Ribbon "3", and Nuclear Biological Chemical Officer certification. His Primary Specialties were in Hercules Missiles, Hawk Missiles, Improved Hawk Missiles, and Patriot Missiles. He powered up the first Patriot Missile for the US Army at Fort Bliss.

He met Lois (Ress) Deaton on December 7, 1990, and they were together every day since. He started Deaton's Wood Creations cabinet woodworking business and made beautiful kitchens, bookcases, home entertainment centers and rocking horses. He was interested in stained glass and made several beautiful pieces. His last creative endeavor was in leather work, concentrating on purses and wallets, money clips, guitar straps that he gave away.

He is survived by wife Lois, her son Michael Patrick Ress (Patricia, deceased), grandson Taylor Allen Ress, granddaughter Debbie (Jared) Higinbotham, and great-grandson Jace Allen; Barb DeLisle (Jim deceased), niece Jamie Dennin (Scott), great niece Mia Carlton, great nephew Mason Carlton; nephew Barry DeLisle (Megan), great nieces Logan, Carsyn and Maren DeLisle.. He is survived by daughter Gwen, granddaughter Davita, son Chuckie, brother Grant (Joni) Deaton and sister Midge (Bob) Pratt and their children and grandchildren.

Contributions may be made in his name to any US Army charity that you choose.