Earl Deaton 77, of Macy passed away at his home unexpectedly on Sunday, March 13, 2016.

Born in Hazard, Ky., Dec. 16, 1938, Earl was a treasured son of Willie and Armina Cornett Deaton. He was the second youngest of a beautiful and vibrant family of 14 children.

On Sept. 28, 1957, in Fulton, Earl married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Francis. Over the years they became best friends, sharing more than 51 years of life’s adventures. The family tree flourished with the added blessings of twelve grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A professional meat cutter, many will remember Earl’s prime cuts made at Berkway Supermarket. He worked a stint at Peru’s Five Star Market meat department. Then Jack Townsend brought him back home to Rochester at Townsend’s IGA, a meat cutter in demand by many of his special customers, delivering the perfect cut. As one of Indiana’s first meat processors, Earl opened a custom meat processing shop near his home. With a great passion for his skills he taught “Little Earl,” the techniques of meat cutting and processing.

An entrepreneur, in earlier years, Earl owned “Earl’s Grill and Games” in downtown Macy. It was here the people could relax, shoot pool and dine on some of the areas finest foods, maybe best known for his crispy smelt.

Earl’s memberships include the Lincoln Masonic Lodge, Macy, the Manitou VFW Post No. 1343, and the Eagles Fraternal Lodge both of Rochester.

With a heart of the true American sportsman, Earl engaged in hunting deer and rabbit. Late spring brought on a search for the morels. His favorite fishing locales were Nyona Lake and Fletcher’s Lake where he could be seen armed with his casting rod and tackle box in hand, ready to catch the limit of blue gill, bass, crappie and catfish. Of course Earl looked forward to the annual expedition to Canada, and fishing for the coveted walleye. Many friends brought him their prized specimens from deer heads to the landing of the catch of a lifetime for him to taxidermy, preserving the great memory in real life.

From his kitchen command post, Earl was quite at home performing the duties as chief cook. In demand were some of his special dishes including vegetable soup, Coney dogs, beef stew, pork chops and smelt. Annually he and Ruth Ann planted a truck patch garden allowing him to use some of the produce in his special dishes. She tended to the garden while he cooked. Together each autumn they collected the bountiful harvest. Ruth Ann would freeze and can the produce for winters use.

Left to cherish Earl’s memory are three sons: Earl Deaton Jr. of Hazard, Ky.; Charles Kenneth Deaton of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; William Earl “Little Earl” Deaton and wife Pamila of Macy; two daughters: Lora Deaton of Peru; Shari Simonson and husband Brian of Rochester; a sister: Lora Davis of Macy; a brother: Walter “Bill” Deaton of Louisville; a son of the heart: John Powell of Macy; 12 grandchildren: Teffeny Deaton; Chuck Deaton; Danyell Chobot; Jason Huff; Joni Popejoy; Jeff Mitchell Jr.; Keith Mitchell; Brandon Arven; Bradlee Arven; Calvin Deaton; Meranda Fletchall; and Jason Dolen; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

Preceding Earl in death are his beloved wife: Ruth Ann Deaton on July 26, 2009; the Deaton brothers: Dewey; Lee; John; Raymond; Wallace; Pete; two sisters: infant Susie Deaton and Martha Combs; a grandson Jesse Dolen on July 23, 2014.

A sunset celebration of life service for Mr. Earl Deaton will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with his family from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Pastor Skip Shambarger will officiate. A private family burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery, Macy.