John H. Deaton, age 75, of Eldon, died Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at St. Marys Health Center. He was born in Tuckerman, Arkansas on October 29, 1932, a son of the late Willie and Ruth (Harrell) Deaton. On August 17, 1973, in Miami, Oklahoma, he was married to Bonnie Spratt, who survives at the home.

John was a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Others who survive him include: six children, Sharon Thomas of Tracy, California, Steve Deaton and wife Diane of Washington, D.C., Sara Crossgrove and husband David of Unionville, Michael Deaton of Eldon, Patty Woodard of Republic and Rick Haight of Eldon; fifteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren and six sisters, Carolyn Stevens, Mary Traw, Noreen Heinnman, Barbara Hoyt, Shirley Speer and Betty Combs.

One son, Scott John Deaton, two brothers, Jimmy and J.C. Deaton, one sister, Elizabeth Luye and two step-sons, Loftis Spencer and Kenny McGowin, also preceded him in death.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Rekus Funeral Home in Eldon. Pastor Chris Reynolds will officiate. Interment with military honors provided by the Miller County VFW Post 2442 will be in Dooley Cemetery near Eldon.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday at Rekus Funeral Home in Eldon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the John H. Deaton Memorial Fund.