Cecil Gene Deakins

Cecil Gene Deakins (Deak) “Deak” to all who knew him passed away at home surrounded by his family on May 10th after a short illness. Born November 22, 1929 in Shidler, Oklahoma to Ruth and Guy Deakins and the oldest of 5, he joined the United States Army Air Corp at age 17, which later became the United State Air Force. The military took him many places including New York (where he met and married his wife Evelyn of almost 68 years), Texas, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, and overseas in Korea, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. He finally settled in Delaware where he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant and directly entered in the Civil Service where he continued working for the U.S. government. Deak loved the Air Force and thrived in the service of his country, receiving numerous meritorious commendations for his dedication and work ethic. Outside of work Deak devoted over 60 years of his life playing, coaching, or organizing some form of baseball. In his younger days he played fast-pitch softball, and then as his two sons were old enough, he transitioned into coaching and teaching Little League baseball. As his boys aged, he joined his wife as part of her staff during her 35-year-tenure as Little League District Administrator. Deak worked tirelessly to organize tournament play for the younger ball players, including T-Ball for both boys and girls. Many tournaments and baseball fields have been named after him and his wife’s dedication to Little League. Deak also spent a lot of time at Spence’s Bazaar where he bought local produce and participated in many of the auctions, usually buying “treasures” that ended up in his workshop. After retiring Deak enjoyed a hobby of engraving trophies and awards for the baseball leagues and worked with his youngest son Dennis at his printing business. After his eldest son John expanded the hobby to a full-time trade, Deak enjoyed interacting with the customers as a daily presence in the Dover shop. Most of all he relished his time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren especially if it involved sports. Three of Deak’s siblings (Dean, Martha and Lois) and his son Dennis have predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, his son John (Terri) of Bear, and his grandchildren: Dawn Edwards (Bill) of Baltimore, Matthew (Amanda) of Middletown, Kristina Shupe (Dale) of Dover and Jon David (Adrienne) of Tampa, Florida. He was also blessed with 8 great grandchildren. Visitation for family and friends will be on May 25th at 11:30-12:30 at Torbert Funeral Home on Route 10- 1145 E. Lebanon Rd. Dover, De. Burial will be private at the Veterans Cemetery in Bear, DE. The family wants to thank Delaware Hospice and the 4 caregivers who supported Dad and the family in the last 5 months, such a blessing! In Lieu of flowers donations to Delaware Hospice at www.delawarehospice.org or 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.