Phillip Deaton

Phillip Craig Deaton, 59, of Idaho Falls, returned home Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was under the care of Encompass Home Health and Hospice.

Phillip was born March 2, 1954, in Bridgeport, Calif., to Hugh and Mabel Wills Deaton. He graduated from Corona Senior High School and attended Idaho State University, where he received his master's degree.

He joined the United States Navy and served for 21 years. Phillip worked on submarines during the Gulf War.

Phillip married Sharla Dawn Coon on Aug. 2, 1975, in Idaho Falls, and they have six children. He worked as an administrative assistant for the University of Idaho Agriculture Extension Office in Idaho Falls.

Phil loved nature. He loved fishing, spending time with his family and playing with the grandchildren.

Phillip is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sharla Deaton; mother, Mabel Deaton of Corona, Calif.; daughters, Nova Starr of Kingston, Wash., and Michelle Deaton and Sarah Deaton, both of Idaho Falls; sons, Branden (Sheila) Deaton of Tuba City, Ariz., Jared Deaton of Pocatello and Aaron Deaton of Idaho Falls; brothers, Bennett Deaton of Corona, Calif., and Marc Deaton of Busy, Ky.; sister, Perdita (Bill) Akins of Brentwood, Calif.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh Huff Deaton, and a brother, Hugh B. Deaton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Wood Funeral Home East Side. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.