Bernard “Scud” Deaton, of Cooper Twp, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at the age of 95. Bernard was born on March 4, 1924 in Otsego, MI. He was the son of Holden J. and Goldie P. (Leppen) Deaton. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in the Class of 1942. Scud joined the family business H.J. Deaton & Son working as a driver in 1942. He then became the President of the company from 1967 to 1984. He was a member of the Anchor #22 Kalamazoo Masonic Lodge and a lifetime member of the Saladin Shrine. He married June Myers on October 26, 1942 until she passed in 1971. He later married Daisy Smith on October 28, 1972 until she passed in 2014.
Bernard is survived by his four children: Dolores “Dolly” (Robert) Williams, Russell (Becky) Deaton, Bernard J. (Deborah) Deaton, Tim (Peggy) Deaton; two stepsons: Larry (Gail) Smith; Marvin Smith; many grandchildren including Russell T Deaton and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law: Beverly J. Myers. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife’s: June and Daisy; two grandchildren: Amy Deaton and Brandon Deaton.
A celebration of Bernard’s life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 1pm to 4pm at the Otsego Elks Club #1711, 113 South Farmer, Otsego. A private graveside service will take place at a later date.
Please visit Bernard’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com where you can leave the family a memory and/or order flowers. Those who wish may make contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and/or Shriners Hospital for Children.
The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI (269-679-5622).