Walter Earnest Deaton, 89, resident of Shawnee passed away on Sunday morning, September 5, 2021.
Walter was born on June 5, 1932 in Choctaw, Oklahoma to James William and Minnie Ann (DeBoard) Deaton. He was raised in Oklahoma City graduating from Moore High School in 1951.
He married his high school sweetheart Martha “Ann” (Self) on August 8, 1952 in Moore, Oklahoma. They just celebrated their 69th anniversary.
Walter proudly served his country in the U. S. Army from 1954-1956. He returned home and went to work in Civil Service at Tinker Field and retired after 31 years.
Walter and Ann have lived on the family farm in Bethel Acres for the last 52 years. Ann will tell you, there wasn’t anything Walter could not fix, especially with a pocket knife and baling wire. His favorite place was in his garden. His favorite stories include baseball, gardening, and anything about his siblings.
Walter was a member of Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church and served as a deacon for 45 years. He was also a mentor and Sunday school leader. He loved playing games and bringing okra to his friends at OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Saints). He was also known for sharing his peppermint candies, even if you didn’t want one.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Estle Deaton, Leroy Deaton, Floyd Deaton; infant sister, Ola Fay Deaton; and great granddaughter, Laynie Hope Payne.
His memory is kept alive by his wife, Ann of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Evelyn Deaton of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Buddy Ward of Sonoita, AZ; sister, Carrie Schwartz of Lindsay, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren, Lacey & Tyler Holt of Shawnee; Kristen & Brandon Hall of Redding CA; Ian Ward of Sierra Vista, AZ; Conal Ward of Tucson, AZ; Rachel & Jacob Sandoval of Beckley, WV; great grandchildren, Deaton Holt, Jackson Holt, Dawson Hall, Kwyn Sandoval; and many other friends and family.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Cooper Funeral Home, and at the church before the service. Casket will not be open after the service. Service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday September 9, 2021 at Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church with grandson and Pastor Tyler Holt and Brother Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City, OK under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to: Legacy Parenting Center; 126 S. Center St.; Shawnee, OK 74801; www.legacyshawnee.com.