Richard E. Deakins (Deak), age 84, passed away peacefully joining Heaven’s track and field team on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon. He was born November 3, 1939, in Greenfield, Indiana to William A. and B. Gertrude (Youngs) Deakins.
Deak was a 1959 graduate of Lebanon High School where he once held the school record for the fastest time in the low hurdles as captain of the track and field team.
He met the love of his life, Mary Rose Belt, in 1957 and they married on August 14, 1959, celebrating 64 years of marriage in 2023.
Deak shared his love of cars with those who crossed his path while spending close to 50 years working in the auto parts business, most notably at NAPA Auto Parts (H & H Automotive) in Lebanon. He also spent time working at Miller Auto, Kincaid Auto, Gene Lewis Ford, Commercial Filters, Big A Auto Parts and Witham Memorial Hospital.
Deak lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; attending family sporting events, working on, and buying classic cars, singing karaoke, listening to classic country music and cheering on his beloved Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and Purdue University.
Deak had an uncanny ability to make people laugh with his “age appropriate” jokes and found great joy in sharing a meal with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory include wife, Mary Rose; daughters, Marcia (Mike) Mustin and Lisa (Brock) Hesler; grandchildren, Courtney (Kyle) Henry, Ryan (Christina) Deakins, Brittany (Josh) Whitman, Nicholas Deakins, Bradley (Trisha) Mustin, Cayla (Mark) Walker, Katlyn (Terry) Krueger and Blake Hesler; great grandchildren, Owen, Jackson, Shelby, Bristol, Broden, Paityn, Sebastian, Silver-Noel, Lily, Piper, Makenna, Haley, Quincy and Janey; brother, Gary (Bonnie) Deakins; sister, Marilyn Lowery; brother-in-law, Bob Doan; and several nieces and nephews.
Deak was predeceased in death by his parents; son Ricky Deakins; brother Earvin Deakins; sister Sue Doan; and brother-in-law Max Lowery.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory has been entrusted with his cremation arrangements.
To honor a life well lived, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Deak’s memory to LHS Athletics 510 Tiger Way, Lebanon, IN 46052 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
