Gary Deaton

Gary Lee Deaton, age 69, passed away on February 18, 2021 at his home in Edmond, OK.

Gary was born December 4, 1951 in Borger, TX to Verlie and Betty Grisham Deaton.

He graduated from Borger High School in 1970 before attending Texas Tech University where he earned a degree in Finance.

After graduating from Texas Tech in 1974, he married Patty Butler and began working in the Trust department at Amarillo National Bank. There he learned about minerals, oil & gas royalties, and other land and title related items. This eventually led to a career as a Petroleum Landman working for Pioneer and then for Crouch Petroleum in Amarillo, TX. Eventually he struck out on his own and moved to Oklahoma City, OK. Once in Oklahoma City he embarked upon several entrepreneurial activities ranging from oil & gas land and title work, putting together drilling prospects, environmental cleanup, in addition to other interesting projects. He eventually made his principal career in acquiring and operating producing oil & gas properties throughout Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas. He enjoyed this work for over 20 years and made many great friends along the way. This shaped his son Drew and led him toward a career in the oil & gas business. During their summers together Drew worked for his dad as a roustabout, handyman and Landman. They worked hard side by side. Gary was a great father, boss, teacher, and friend to his son Drew.

In 1999, he married Edwina Ross Crain. They worked together for several more years before semi-retiring.

Gary will be remembered for his caring and kind nature as well as his keen sense of humor and friendly smile. He was a great host to family and friends. Memories were made at his backyard pool parties and family barbeques. Gary was always up for an adventure. He enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean, earning his private pilot’s license, taking spontaneous camping trips, riding motorcycles, photography, and tinkering with various projects. He will be missed very much by his loved ones and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Deaton, sister, Donna Mesneak, brother-in law James Mesneak, and wife, Edwina Deaton.

He is survived by his son Drew Deaton, daughter in law, Kandi Deaton, father, Verlie Deaton, brother, Les Deaton, sister-in-law, Diane Deaton, grandchildren, Reese Deaton, Rigby Deaton, Barrett Deaton, Nephews, Alan Mesneak, Aaron Mesneak, Ben Deaton, Nieces, Cindy Fullbright, Rachel Deaton, stepchildren Linsi and Ross Crain, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Graveside service time will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday March 2, 2021 at Westlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

The family requests memorial donations to Ending Hunger OKC www.endinghungerokc.org or Faith Partners www.faith-partners.org.