Charles Kenneth Deaton

Charles Kenneth "Charlie" Deaton, age 63, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of Sunday morning, February 14, 2021. 

Charlie was born March 8, 1957 to Earl and Flora Ruth Ann Francis Deaton in Hazard, Kentucky.  He was a long-time resident of Macy, Indiana and a graduate of the Class of 1976 at North Miami High School in the town of Denver, Indiana.  He dedicated his high school years to dressing up as the warrior mascot following his true family blood lines of Cherokee and Blackfoot Indian.   After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy as an electrical mechanic for the fight line on the aircraft carriers.  Retiring from the Navy after 18 year of service, he returned home and became an active member of the Macy, Indiana Fire Department, serving as both firefighter and first responder.  He worked as an electrical maintenance engineer and machinist throughout his remaining years and allowed his gypsy blood to lead him where it may.

Charlie lived in Defuniak Springs, Florida for the last 10 years where he built a network of friends, many of whom have become family.  He loved the Florida weather and loved living near the beach where he collected his daily treasures and shared them with his precious grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. The beautiful weather also gave Charlie the freedom to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, a great joy in his life.  Charlie was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

He is survived by three children, Teffeny Deaton of Marion, Indiana, Charles Deaton Jr. of Marion, Indiana, and Danyell (Josh) Chobot of Rome, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren, Brianna, Connor, Cierra, Brooklyn, Braxton, Adrian, Abby, Erika, and Journey; three great-grandchildren, Emowen, Evander, and Leela; siblings, Earl Deaton Jr. of Hazard, Kentucky, Lora Deaton (companion, Jim Golliher) of Peru, Indiana, Shari (Brian) Simonson of Rochester, Indiana, and William Earl Deaton of Macy, Indiana.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Earl and Flora Ruth Ann Francis Deaton; paternal grandparents, Willie and Armina Deaton; and maternal grandparents, Elhannon and Anna Francis.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at the VFW Post 4437 in Defuniak Springs, Florida Sunday February 21, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.  At Charlie’s request, everyone is asked to wear Hawaiian shirts or dresses to the celebration of his life.  There will also be forthcoming celebrations of life in Indiana and New York to be announced.

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