Jerry Lee Deaton

Jerry Lee Deaton, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the age of 78 in Burleson, Texas. He was born on October 10, 1946, in Washington, Iowa, to Billy and Madge Deaton. Jerry was the eldest of four siblings.

 Jerry’s early life in Washington was marked by his dedication and work ethic. He delivered newspapers in his youth, worked in the corn fields and mowed yards around town. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Iowa before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served three years, including time in Okinawa, Japan. It was during this period that Jerry embraced his Christian faith.

 After his military service, Jerry attended Cameron College in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he worked at the Baptist Student Union and pursued his studies. It was at Central Baptist Church in Lawton that Jerry met the love of his life, Vonna Lee Bradley. Their love story began when Jerry, at the encouragement of Vonna’s father, invited her to church. They married in August 1970 soon after Jerry returned from a summer mission trip to Zambia, Africa.

 Jerry graduated from college in 1972 and began a career in carpet laying and stocking shelves before joining Halliburton. His career as a clerk and warehouseman with Halliburton spanned 20 years and took his family to Kansas and later to Texas. In his later years, Jerry worked at a hardware store and Farmers’ CO-OP before moving back to Lawton. He continued working at the unemployment office and Wal-Mart before retiring in 2012 after he and Vonna moved to Burleson to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

 Jerry’s life was defined by his unwavering faith, love for his family, and passion for helping others. He was a faithful church member, often singing in the choir, assisting in the nursery with Vonna, and sharing his love of Christ. Jerry never met a stranger, always offering a kind word and lending a hand. He enjoyed baseball, football, boxing, jigsaw puzzles, word games, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys.

 Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Vonna; his children, Terry (wife Alissa Deaton), Tami (husband David Cortez), and Billy (wife Coelle Deaton); and grandchildren, Scarlett, Morgan, Juliet, Luke, Henry, and Lynette. He is also survived by his brother Richard Deaton and sisters Jane Toycen and Martha (Marti) McKowen. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Madge Deaton.

 Memorial donations may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church in Jerry’s honor. He will be remembered for his kindness, devotion, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.