Stephen Ronald Deaton, longtime educator, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at the ripe old age of 81 years, six months and nine days.
Steve, “Ron” to his family, was born January 22, 1943, to parents J. W. Deaton and Mary Louise Deaton in Ada, Oklahoma. He attended school in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, before attending OU and then graduating from East Central State College in Ada in 1966. He received his master’s degree in July 1971, from OSU. On January 11th, 1964, Steve married the love of his life Shirley Jean King. This marriage, which lasted more than 60 years, produced two sons, Chris Deaton in 1966, and Trey Deaton in 1972.
In 1966, Steve started his teaching career in Watonga, Oklahoma. He taught there one year before moving to Cushing, Oklahoma in 1967, where he taught English at Cushing High School for 37 years, preparing his students for college and life beyond high school. Students always “enjoyed” writing the research term paper that was due at the end of the second semester every school year. Students enjoyed his sense of humor and the fact that he cared if they succeeded. Steve also created the Gold Seal Appraisals, which he operated throughout the 90s and into the next century. In his spare time, Steve enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, working on his lawn and golf trips with his friends. He and Shirley also enjoyed shopping for antiques, collecting paperweights and depression glass, as well as other interesting items.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Donna Deaton Bloodworth, one brother-inlaw, Jerry Bloodworth and father and mother-in-law Archie and Thelma King.
Survivors include his wife Shirley, of the home and short furry daughter, Bella Rose, and two sons, Chris Deaton and wife Lisa of Cushing, Oklahoma, and Trey Deaton of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Garrett Deaton, Carly Vogt, Morgan Beets, Renda Deaton, Clara Deaton, Brendan Deaton, Archie Deaton, Kaitlyn Wilson, and Morgan Wilson, two sisters Glenda Deaton of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma and Sandra Olson and husband Greg of Edmond, Oklahoma. Also included are family members Karen and Mark Garcia and Sharon and Robert Todd, nine great grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew and numerous friends.
Special recognition should go to Keith and Sharon Cartmill and Judy Payne for their love and support until the end. Also, thanks to Karman Legacy Hospice, for their outstanding care and compassion and excellent service. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him for his humor, advice and the caring attitude he showed friends and family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Stephen will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing, OK. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Palmer Marler Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
