Duane J. "Deak" Deacon, age 83 of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2014 at home with his daughters by his side. He was born December 7, 1930 in Waterford Township, the son of Mornington and Arlene (Cooley) Deacon. Duane married Donna Thompson in September of 1956. He enlisted in the United States Navy serving his country during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged Deak moved to Flint and began his employment with Buick Plant Protection Security for ten years. He then moved to Reed City and joined the Reed City Police Department. Deak also worked in the oil fields as security on an oil well before he began his career with Ferris State University, where he eventually retired from. Throughout his life Deak has held honorable positions in the organizations he was involved in. He was the Past Commander for the American Legion Post 98 and the AmVets Post 1941; where he and Bill Dennis established the Firing Squad. Deak was also the Chief D'Gare of the 40 & 8, the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4102 and was a member of the Eagle Aries 2535. Another remarkable event in Deak's life was in 1960 when he had the honor to guard and protect President Kennedy when he was in Flint on a job for the union. He was an avid Tigers fan. Deak enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards with friends. He was a loving father, husband, brother and a devout veteran; he will be greatly missed. Deak is survived by his five daughters, Debra (Robert) Sorensen of Sears, Dawn Deacon of Bay City, Dinah (Dale) Withers of Rodney, Denise Miller of Howard City and Doreen Withers of Newaygo; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Muriel Phillips of Waterford; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Duane M. Deacon; his first wife and mother of his children, Donna Deacon; his second wife, Lois Deacon; and his brother, Arnold Deacon. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Vince Coccaro officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 18, 2014 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Pine Plains Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Duane's name may be made to Hospice of Michigan.