Gary Wayne Deaton Sr.

Gary Wayne Deaton, Sr. passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 77 at his home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Gary was born on October 9, 1948, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to James Kenneth Deaton and Avery Marie (Chaney) Deaton. He graduated from Tishomingo High School and went on to live a full and hardworking life centered around his family, his passions, and serving others. Gary was united in marriage to Jo L. Deaton on June 18, 1968. He later married Billie Gale Deaton on August 28, 1993, and together they shared many years of love and companionship. He dedicated 33 years of service to the Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge and also served his community as a firefighter for 20 years. He also worked for the City of Tishomingo for 10 years as the city inspector. Gary was a respected taxidermy instructor, teaching at Murray State College for 24 years and at East Central University for 3 years. He also proudly served in the Army National Guard. A man of many talents, Gary worked as a carpenter, heavy equipment operator, mechanic, and artist. It was often said that it was hard to get Gary to stay indoors—he truly loved the outdoors. His passions included hunting, fishing, gardening, and teaching carpentry to the next generation. He had a gift for making anything grow and was well known for turning wild game into gourmet meals, especially his incredible fried catfish and backstrap. Gary also had a playful spirit and was known for his practical jokes. More than anything, Gary lived his life guided by the words of 1 Corinthians 13, showing patience, kindness, and love not only to his family but to everyone he encountered. Gary is survived by his wife, Billie Gale Deaton; his son, Gary Wayne Deaton II; his daughters, Monda Marie Russell and husband Jay Russell, Liberty Wisinger and husband Kyle Wisinger, and Shannon Golden and husband Thomas Golden; his former daughters-in-law, Sandy Deaton and Tabatha Deaton; and his siblings, Barbara Hicks and husband Bill Hicks and Jimmy Deaton, all of Tishomingo. His grandchildren include Jaycee Parks and husband Byron, Lauren Payne and husband Kevin, Eon Russell, Kenneth Russell, Jasper Deaton and wife Emily, Michael Deaton, Noah Deaton, Zander Deaton, Aspen Deaton, BreAnna Tamplen, Joshua Tamplen and wife Holly, Kirsten Tamplen, Hanna Golden, Simon Golden, Samantha Golden, Natalie Golden, and Aiden Golden. His great-grandchildren include Aiden Parks, Lexi Parks, Emma Parks, Brynlee Payne, McKynlee Payne, Kendyl Payne, Mason Payne, Harper Deaton, Ella Deaton, Axel Tamplen, Angelica Vandever, Fayre Vandever, Lyra Vandever, Dimitri Chavez, Royce Golden, Evan Golden, Allison Golden, Raylee Golden, and Grady Golden. Gary was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Raymond Deaton, siblings, James Deaton, Anita Davis, Linda Bevill, and Kelly Deaton. Gary will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for the outdoors, his many talents, and most of all, the love he showed to everyone around him. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Tishomingo. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tishomingo Fire Department in memory of Gary Wayne Deaton Sr.

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Gary Wayne Deaton Sr.

October 9, 1948 - April 16, 2026