Wesley Dean Deaton

Wesley Dean Deaton MARION-Wesley Dean Deaton, 69, of Marion passed away at 7:52 AM, Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at his home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend David Hancock officiating and Dr. Ray Hancock will give the eulogy. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, January 19, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by Marion VFW Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147. Memorials may be made to the Wes Deaton Memorial Scholarship Fund for Youth; envelopes are availabel at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Wes was born on July 24, 1937 to Clyde and Velma (Edwards) Deaton. He was a life-long resident of Marion. He graduated from Marion High School in 1955. He spent 3 years in the United States Navy as a radioman, stationed at Kamiseya, Japan. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Masters Degree in Science and Education and a 6 year Specialist Certificate. Wes was married on September 5, 1959 to his childhood sweetheart Shirley A. Dempsey and together they enjoyed 46 happy years. They were blessed with two children, Timothy and Jil Ann Deaton and one granddaughter, Allexis Renee Deaton. Wes was a very outgoing, intelligent, humorous and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His life revolved around his family and he was the stable foundation of the family. He had many friends and colleagues and an outstanding sense of humor. Wes had the ability to see the positive side of any situation. Wes spent his working career as an educator at Marion High School for 33 years and has served as the Marion Recreation Director since 1974. He enjoyed a fulfilling career working with Marion and the surrounding community. Wes was much loved and will be missed by his children and granddaughter; brother, William Charles Deaton; nephews, Steven and Jeffery Deaton; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Clarida) Nance and Rudy (Clarida) Danley; and nieces, Tamara and Tanille McAnelly. Wes was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a nephew, Jay McAnelly.