In Memory

Robert Douglas "Doug" Deaton

Robert Douglas Doug Deaton

      Robert Douglas "Doug" Deaton

Doug died unexpectedly on December 23, 2019. He was a native and resident of Battle Creek, Michigan. After high school, Doug attended and graduated Kellogg Community College, then Western Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1970. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity. Doug married the former Barbara J. Kilbert (Myckowiak). After they divorced, he married and later divorced Priscilla L. Bachman (Bodhamer). After college, Doug was employed by Portage Northern Schools as a Music Teacher for 3 years, but moved on to follow his passion in railroads, managing the Amtrak station in Battle Creek for many years. He also worked at the Battle Creek area Chamber of Commerce and organized one of the very first "Hot Air Balloon Championships." In 1991, Doug moved to Seattle to pursue acting and writing screenplays, landing roles in numerous movies and commercials. In the early 2000s, Doug was involved in an effort to produce a PBS series on railroad history/cooking. It is unknown whether that project reached completion and was aired. Doug's faith was very important to him and he was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Being given "the gift of gab", everyone who knew Doug would agree that he always had something positive to say and was always smiling. Doug had many other hobbies he enjoyed such as model railroading, cooking, reading, collecting watches, and building models. His favorite time of the year was just before the holidays, making his Christmas Stollen for everyone he knew. Doug was a great Father, Brother, Grandfather and Uncle and truly enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything. Survivors included a son, Robert "Bob" Deaton Jr.; a sister, Diane M. (David) Middleton; two grandchildren, Daphne and Blaine; a niece, Debbie; a nephew, Jim; and his ex-wives.

Information from Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care online on January 9, 2020; the BCCHS Class of ’65 1975 and 2005 Reunion Booklets; and websites https://www.truepeoplesearch.com, https://wlrd.ent.sirsi.net/,  and https://www.ancestry.com



 
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01/10/20 06:50 AM #1    

Thomas Lusk

Well Doug I say Goodbye' my friend.  Knew you well and truly enjoyed our friendship these good many years!  Certainly RIP.  And, 🎵🍸"Thanks for the memories . . .".


01/10/20 03:53 PM #2    

Terry Bond

Sad news - Doug was an old friend, and I enjoyed catching up with him at the reunion. One of our Bearcat band guys who had a lot of talent and personality.  I'll never forget him.  We'll miss you Doug, forever a Bearcat.

Terry


01/11/20 01:25 AM #3    

Gayle Bonifer (Duncan)

 

I am very saddened by the passing of Doug Deaton.  I knew Doug from our days at Fremont Elementary.  I was so appreciative when he posted comments to me, through the BCHS website, before the 50th Class Reunion.  We spent several emails recounting our lives from the past 50 years. I was amazed at all the things he remembered from grade school!  He even remembered that our birthdays were within a day of each other, and would take the time to wish me a happy birthday, for several years.  Thank you Doug for reaching out.      
 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 


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