John Harvey Deaton, 83, of Litchfield, died on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021 at his residence.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend.
He was born on May 20, 1938, at home in Honey Bend, a son of Lester and Kathryn (Masulis) Deaton. He attended Litchfield schools, graduating with the class of 1956. Following graduation, he went to Idaho with friends to work with the Forestry Service.
In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving tours in Japan and South Korea. He was discharged in March 1962; and worked as a mechanic with McElroy-Roland Machinery Co. in Springfield. He was later promoted to sales. He served on the board of the Honey Bend Cemetery Association, as president for the past ten years.
Mr. Deaton is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly Jean (Kirby) Deaton, and two daughters Mary Kathryn (Robert) Lovejoy and Amy Deaton Williams, both of Litchfield; five granddaughters, Elisa (Kyle) Fessler of Jerseyville, Taylor Lovejoy of Los Angeles, CA, Molly (Nick) Sweeney of Colorado Springs, CO, Erin (Christian) Privett of Republic, MO and Rachel (Brad) Schindewolf of Granite City; four great-grandchildren, Grace and Grant Fessler, Ellis Sweeney and Cohen Privett; one brother, Paul David Deaton of Litchfield; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in his honor to the Cedar Ridge Cemetery.
For more information, to light a virtual candle, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
