Obituary of George Thomas Deaton

George Thomas “Tom” Deaton, age 88, passed away on August 8, 2023. He died in Winter Ha-
ven, FL with his nieces Carolyn Scott, Connie Baker and nephew Tink Scott, lovingly by his
side.
Tom was born on December 28, 1934 in Buckhorn, KY son of Kash and Bertha Deaton. In
1953, he graduated from Paris Crossing High School, in Jennings County, Indiana. He went on
to serve his country in the United States Army for two years, working in heavy artillery.
Following his time in the Army, Tom worked at a meat market in Sandusky, OH and then at Di-
amond Chain in Indianapolis. At Diamond Chain, Tom met the love of his life, Ann Bledsoe.
Tom and Ann were married on May 7, 1960, on his family’s farm in Commiskey, Indiana.
Seeking a warmer, sunnier climate, the Deatons moved to Florida in 1971. They worked for an
auto-parts manufacturer for two years before starting their own business. Tom responded to
an ad in a local newspaper and bought 150 mowing accounts for $150. That purchase
launched a successful lawn care business the Deatons owned and operated for many years.
The Deatons resided in St. Petersburg for 17 years and Winter Haven for 35 years. They en-
joyed golfing, fishing and travelling. Tom and Ann were an inseparable pair and were married
for 61 years before Ann’s passing in 2022.
Tom was always quick with a joke or story, anything to make a person life or smile. His calm
nature, warm humor and gentle teasing made him the favorite uncle among his many nieces
and nephews, who will miss him more than words can express.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife; two brothers, Robert Earl and Charles Deaton; one sis-
ter, Betty Deaton Proy; and his parents.
He is survived and will be greatly missed by his sisters Janet Lyon of Valrico,FL; Judy Gaffney of
Deputy, IN; and Kathy Brison of Butlersville, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews, and their
children.
The family would like to thank Tom’s niece Carolyn (Bledsoe) Scott for the tremendous care,
love, and attention she has given to Tom over the past several years and especially in his last,
difficult days. They would also like to thank Centerwell Home Health and nurse Toni and San-
dra at Compassionate Care for their kindness and exceptional services they provided.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 17, 10-11 a.m. at Kersey Funeral Home in Auburndale,
FL. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.