Obit of Deaton Jr, Austin R - Pontotoc County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Rita Floyd 12 Sep 2010 Return to Pontotoc County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pontotoc/pontotoc.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::NOT LISTED Ada Evening News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Sunday, March 15, 2009 AUSTIN DEATON JR. Austin R. Deaton, Jr. died March 11, 2009 in his home. His death leaves a huge Austin-shaped hole in our universe. To those who loved him, it is almost impossible to imagine a world in which Austin does not exist. He was born March 3, 1926 to Austin R. Deaton, Sr. and Onia Wilson Deaton. He was the second of five children. Austin was an anchor for his family, dealing with many things beyond his years with his quiet determination and intelligence. He was preceded in death by his sister Avonelle Ausmus and his brother J. W. “Dub” Deaton. He is survived by his sister Mary Ovadene Patterson of Exeter, California and his beloved younger brother Ray Deaton of Pinehurst, North Carolina. He was a nurturing and loving father. His example of pursuing goals that often seemed out of reach inspired his children and grandchildren. His support allowed them the opportunity to grow and blossom. His pride in his grandchildren was always evident in the glow on his face when he spoke of them. Austin lost his precious daughter, Amy Elizabeth Deaton, on September 3, 1978. The love of his life, his beautiful wife Elizabeth Nadine Franklin Deaton, also preceded him in death on January 17, 1993. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Rebecca Deaton of Tulsa, OK and her daughter Clea E. Alsip of New York, NY, and his son and daughter-in-law Clay and LaNan Deaton and their children Zachary, Sara, and Amy of Houston, TX. Austin was an attorney of distinction, a true gentleman and a scholar. He entered the practice of law in 1951 and remained active until 2008. His work family at Deaton, Davison & Kessinger was the center of his daily life. He loved them all and truly thought of them as an extended family. His law partners, Denver Davison and Steve Kessinger, provided affection, integrity and support. The office staff - Barbara Suess, Joy White, Pat Tharp and Norma Malone loved and cared for him during good times and bad. Austin practiced law with the utmost of integrity and morality. He was honored in 2000 with the John E. Shipp Ethics Award presented by the Oklahoma Bar Association. He served as chairman and member of the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Committee (1977-1983). He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the Oklahoma and Pontotoc County Bar Associations. The family would like to thank his caregivers in the last months of his life, Betty Menele, Sherry Baird, Donna Rice, Kim Ward, Ashley Ward, and Kim Smith. Their tenderness and attention meant the world to him and us. Bearers are Gary Cutler, Tom Gault, Jack Henslee, Mac McKee, Kenneth Murphy, Jack Ritchie, Robbie Sherrell and Riley Young. Austin would want gifts that honor him to do good work. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in his honor to: East Central University Foundation, Care of ECU Box Y-9, Ada, OK 74820; or American Cancer Society, 6525 North Meridian, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 His memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 521 S. Broadway, Ada, OK on Monday March 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. To a life well lived. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Pontotoc County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pontotoc/pontotoc.html