Waldon Deel

In Loving Memory of Waldon Deel

January 4, 1931 – January 27, 2025

Waldon Deel, age 94, of Murphy, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep. Born on January 4, 1931 to William Floyd Deel and Girtha O’Quinn Deel, Waldon lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 70 years, Edith Ilene Tiller Deel; children, Freda Joy White (Rick), Jeffrey Lance Deel (Maureen), and Tracy Scott Deel; grandchildren, Julie Ann Farmer, Kelley Brooke Petkewicz (Zach), Sarah Lea McIntyre (Dewey), and Cody Waldon Lightfoot; and great-grandchildren, Junilee Rosanna Farmer, Aubrey Marie Farmer, Zara Lillian Holbrook, Heidi Joy Petkewicz, and Hazel Grace Petkewicz. He is also survived by his brother, Willard Deel.

Waldon was preceded in death by his parents, William Floyd Deel and Girtha O’Quinn Deel; and siblings, Woodrow Wilson Deel, Freddie Deel, Edith Imogene Deel Jackson, Marie Deel Savage, and Edward Wayne Deel.

A Life of Hard Work and Dedication

Waldon’s formal education ended after the seventh grade, which he completed twice. He began working at a young age, joining his father in logging jobs to support the family. He later worked in coal mines before enlisting in the Army in October 1951. Serving in the artillery branch and later the Army Reserves, he was honorably discharged as a Corporal E4 in May 1957.

Following his military service, Waldon purchased and operated a coal mine, working tirelessly to provide for his growing family. When his wife, Ilene, received a teaching job in Prince William County, Waldon sold the mine and relocated the family. He began a new career hauling gravel for road construction in Northern Virginia, exemplifying his resilience and adaptability.

A Life of Passion and Prosperity

Waldon was a man of many talents and interests. He loved gardening, raising enough produce to feed not only his family but also his neighbors. He was a bee keeper all his life a skill he learned from his father - his motto being a spoon of honey every day keeps the doctor away. He was also an avid hunter throughout his life, he invested in a hunting club property, which later proved so profitable in resale that he was able to retire at the young age of 49. Waldon and Ilene returned to their roots near his birthplace, where they built a life surrounded by the community and traditions he cherished.

Faith and Family

A dedicated member of the Primitive Baptist Church, Waldon’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He treasured his church friends and found joy in his spiritual community. Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and loving family man, a great storyteller, and someone who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Waldon Deel’s legacy of love, perseverance, and generosity will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. Funeral services will be conducted in the Forest Hills Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Elders Josh Viers, Elder Don Stacy and Elder Garnell Gilbert will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military rites will be conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia Army National Guard.  Those wishing to view the service from home may do so by visiting (CLICK HERE), 15 minutes prior to service time.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Waldon Deel is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.