Don Justus Deakin, 92, of Cuba died at 12:45 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008, at his home. Don Justus Deakin, 92, of Cuba died at 12:45 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008, at his home.
He was born Oct. 27, 1915, a son of Roy and Nellie Bly Churchill Deakin in Cass Township. He married Ruby Mae Buffum on Dec. 4, 1937, in Fort Madison, Iowa. She preceded him in death on June 13, 1985.
He also was preceded in death by one brother, Fred Elmer Deakin, who died in World War II in 1944.
Surviving are one son, Richard Roy Deakin of Canton; two daughters, Celia Mae (and Larry) Beam of Cuba and Linda Kay Deakin Haynes of Canton; one sister, Gladys Deakin Sartoris of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was a graduate of Cuba High School with the Class of 1933 and celebrated his 75th anniversary of graduation this year. He was a member of the first FFA group at the high school.
He retired from Consol Coal in February 1980. He worked at Truax-Traer Mine in Fiatt from 1936 until it closed. He then worked for Consol Coal in Norris as a locomotive engineer until the mine closed in 1980. He farmed 210 acres while working at the mine until 1964.
He was recently recognized by Local 7110 as the last of the original members of the UMWA Local 7110 that started at Truax Traer Coal Company. He was honored in 2007 with 70 years of membership in UMWA.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Rev. Jim Menne officiating. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery with a burial service by UMWA. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the memorial home.
Memorials may be made to Cuba High School Ag Department or Cass-Putman Rescue Squad.
Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.