Published: March 27, 2008 09:55 am            

Vance Lee Deaton

Vance Lee Deaton was born May 10, 1916, in Cowlington, and passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in Muskogee. Vance was the oldest of four children. Services were held March 21. Arrangements were handled by Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Sallisaw.

Vance attended college at Connors State Agricultural Junior College, 1937-1939, on a football scholarship and Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, where he was on the track team. He was the 1941 Missouri Valley Champion in the discus. He was also a lifelong member of the “O” Club, an organization for Oklahoma State Athletics. He also graduated from OK A&M in May, 1941.

He joined the Air Force in June, 1942. He met Miss Dorothy Patterson and married her in 1943. They had two daughters, Jo Ann and Susan. Vance worked 31 years for Oklahoma State County Extension.

After retirement, Vance and Dorothy moved to East Lake Hills near Lake Tenkiller. During his retirement years, Vance sold real estate, played golf, fished, gardened and was a volunteer firefighter. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club, Shriners and the Masons. After Dorothy passed away in 1990, Vance met and married Norma Jean Erb. Vance still played golf up until the age of 88, shooting his age numerous times, the most recent being at age 87.

He was preceded in death by Thad and Lela Maxwell Deaton, parents; Van Deaton, brother; Lena Redden, sister; and Dorothy Patterson Deaton, first wife.

Vance is survived by Norma Jean Erb, second wife; Floyd and Cathy Deaton, brother; Jo Ann and Joe Hodgens, daughter; Susan and Mark Morrow, daughter; James Steward, grandson; Jackie Hodgens, grandson; Matt Morrow, grandson; Stacy Morrow, granddaughter; Jim Erb, stepson; David Erb, stepson; and Robert Erb, stepson.

In lieu of flowers persons may make contributions to the OSU Foundation, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.