July 25, 1937 - December 30, 2015
Hubert Deaton peacefully passed away Thursday, December 30, 2015 in Spokane Valley, Washington. Hubert (Hugh) was born July 25, 1937 to Edward and Dora Deaton in Altro Kentucky; he was the 7th son of the 7th son straight running, which is something special! At a young age, he moved to Middletown, Ohio, where he tended to the Deaton Family Farms while completing the 8th grade. As soon as he was able, Hugh joined the Air Force, serving as an airplane mechanic. Initially, he was stationed in California then he transferred to Geiger Air Force Base, which is where he met and married Myrna Knoshaug. After years of marriage and 6 children, they divorced. In 1963, Hubert was hired by Spalding Auto Parts, where he worked his way to the top. Side by side with Max Spalding, he helped grow the (then small) family-owned business. With a cigar clenched in his teeth, he helped customers near and far. He didn’t need computers to find the parts; he knew the inventory better than anyone or anything and had his own personal stash areas for those “hard to find” things. For over 50 years, he roamed the acreage of Spalding Auto; retiring in November, 2014. In 1983, Hugh married Pamela Stevens and gained 3 stepchildren. During their marriage, he built a cabin on Deer Lake, where he spent many lazy days relaxing on the deck, fishing on the lake, and visiting with friends and family. He loved to watch football and enjoyed a good home-cooked meal but his favorite thing was a Black Pete cigar, specially ordered from Indiana. Hubert was a kind soul. If you needed him, he was there. He loved unconditionally, never using harsh words. He believed that everyone was born for great things and he lead by example. Hugh was a man of few words but when he spoke everyone listened. He loved to talk about growing up in Ohio, his earlier days at Spalding Auto, family, and friends. The moment his heart stopped, the world grew darker but heaven grew brighter. Hubert is survived by his sister Ruth McQuinn; his children Robyn (Harry) Deaton, Lori (Brian) Gilmore, Dora (Jeff) Glidden, Wanda (Alan) Kokot, Brenda Deaton, and James (Krissy) Deaton; stepchildren Teri Stevens, Jon (Thomasina) Stevens, and Sheri Devenere; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Hugh is preceded in death by his parents; his spouses; his sister Naomi; and his brothers Paul, Silas, David, Matthew, Edward Jr (Buster), and Donald. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:30 pm at Eastpoint Church, 15303 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99037. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Spalding Auto Parts, 10708 E Knox Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. - In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Spokane. Community Cremation & Funeral - Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
