Paul E. Deater

Paul E. Deater, 80, of Meadville, died Tuesday, October 13, 1998 at Meadville Medical Center following a sudden illness.

He was born June 16, 1918 in Meadville, a son of the late Willard Frederick and Mabel Ellis Deater, Sr.  He married Doris Culbertson January 16, 1942.  She survives.

Mr. Deater was a 1938 graduate of Meadville High School where he served as student governor and graduate of Meadville Commercial College.  He worked at Talon, Abex and Keystone Ordinance Works.  He was a US Army Veteran of WWII, having served in England and France with the 722nd military police battalion.  He received numerous war decorations including the ETO Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and ETO Ribbon with star for the invasion of Normandy.

He was past president of the Crawford Co. Life Underwriters Assoc., member of VFW Post 2006, member of Elks Lodge 219, 50 year member of Masonic Lodge 234, and member of Consistory Valley of New Castle, Zem Zem Shrine Temple, Erie, and Crawford Co. Shrine Club.  He was a member and Chaplain of the US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 84 of Sarasota, FL, having retired in May 1998 following 15 years of service.

He had his own musical radio program at WMGW from 1950-52 with the theme song "Now is the Hour."  He was an avid follower of Drum and Beagle Corps shows and the Meadville High School football team since 1980 to whom he was known as "Coach."  He was the former Master of Ceremonies at Kiwanis sponsored Diamond Park street dances for many years.  He was an active volunteer at Wesbury and a member of the residents council.

He was a member of Stone United Methodist Church, long time member of its choir, and was a tenor soloist.  He was president of the church's United Methodist Men for two years and past president of the Cornerstone Bible Class.  He was the first Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 227 at Stone Church.  He was an advisor for THEOS.  He was a constituent member of North United Methodist Church of Sarasota, FL, its choir and United Methodist Men's Club.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Diane) Elliott of Rochester, NY; a granddaughter, Jessica May DiPalma; a sister, Ethel D. Shirey of Meadville; and also nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Willard F. Deater, Jr. and a sister, Mildred Woodward James.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.