Arnie Deaton

Arnie Ray Deaton of Decatur, TX passed away quietly and peacefully, as he lived his life, on January 1, 2019, at his home south of Decatur. Born in Decatur in 1932, he grew up in town and in the area south of town, where his parents farmed and raised cattle. He graduated from Decatur HS in 1949, and from U of North Texas with a business degree.

Arnie worked in banking, in Houston and Dallas. He was a graduate of the National Trust School, and specialized in all areas of trusts, at one time managing a twelve-person trust department. He completed his career by partnering with colleague and friend Greg Parkinson in his financial consulting and investment management business. Arnie had extensive expertise and experience with trust, estate, and IRA issues and provided wise counsel in those areas for clients. During this time Arnie returned to Wise County, resuming his membership in the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Decatur. There he met and married Judith Lee Boyer, and relocated with her to the farm originally owned by Judy’s Gregg grandparents. Arnie and Judy enjoyed many sunsets on their porch looking west. He was the bird-feeder-in-chief, and helped Judy with her gardening endeavors. He became a great friend to Judy’s mother, Elaine Boyer, visiting her every morning, when she would provide a cup of coffee and he would provide a friendly, quiet presence, with occasional comments from his newspaper reading. Arnie also loved to travel, and he and Judy enjoyed some memorable car trips to explore the US, and trips further afield to see some of Europe and the UK.

Arnie and his first wife had four children. As the kids grew up, Arnie always provided a cabin or beach house – nothing fancy, but somewhere they could go boating, fishing, and enjoy the outdoors. He was an avid coin collector, and a Mason. He was also the first male member of the Wise Health System Auxiliary. For several years he was a kind, familiar face behind the hospitality cart at the hospital in Decatur.

In addition to his wife, Judy Deaton, Arnie is survived by 2 children of his first marriage, Linda Kay Deaton (David Finkelstein) of San Francisco CA and Suzanne Cox of Omaha NE; 2 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of Omaha; and nephew Richard Deaton Gore of Dallas. He is predeceased by his parents, Arnie Perry Deaton and Eunice (Womack) Deaton; sister Zoe Evelyn (Deaton) Gore; first wife DeLaine (Branch) Deaton; sons Arnie Ray Deaton, Jr. and John Perry Deaton; and 1 great-grandchild. The family wishes to thank Ann Hash for her capable and cheerful care for Arnie over the past months, the pastor and members of Decatur FUMC, and the very able staff of Solaris Hospice of Decatur. A memorial service will be held at the church on Tuesday, January 8, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FUMC or the charity of your choice..