Douglas Kent Deaton

Douglas K. Deaton, age 61, of Marion, IL, passed away at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
He was born on March 2, 1962, in Vandalia, IL, the son of George Edward and Mary Jane (Webster) Deaton.
Doug moved to Marion, when he was 10 years old and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1980.
He was united in marriage to Melinda Beth Crees on December 8, 1984, in Marion, and together they have shared over 39 years of marriage.
His working career was as a coal miner having worked for Sahara Coal and Kerr McGee until his retirement.
In his spare time, he was an avid golfer, raced motorcycles in his younger years, enjoyed drag racing his Mustang, was a die-hard Chicago Cub and Bears fan and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle with his wife and friends. One of his dreams was becoming a snowbird and spending winters in Florida. He enjoyed spending time outside in the yard and being a jack of all trades. He also enjoyed spending time with his many friends. His family was the most important part of his life, especially spoiling his grandchildren who called him "Poppy". The many times they all shared will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Melinda B. Deaton of Marion; son, Douglas B. Deaton (Chandler) of Marion; two grandchildren, Sawyer Gray Deaton and Knox Wilder Deaton both of Marion; his little Dog, Rhett who he thought the world of; two brothers, Michael Deaton (Debbie) of Christopher, IL and Greg Deaton of Marion; four nieces, Stephanie King (Brent) of St. Louis, MO, Kelly Cameron (Todd) of Jacksonville, FL, Jessica Lenon (Chad) of Marion, and Chelsea Duty (Chris) of Marion, and several great nieces and great nephews: His wife Melinda's family; her grandmother, Nathalie Walker of Marion; her aunt, Melanie James (Jessie) of Marion, his sister-in-law Cherlyn Crees of Bloomington, IN and three nieces Hannah, Sarah, and Ava and other extended family friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Judith "Granny" Crees, brother-in-law, Don Crees, and sister-in-law Kitty Deaton.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the funeral home.
Following the time of visitation the memorial service will be at 6:00 p.m.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital." Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.