Kenneth (Sam) Samuel Deacon, Jr.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your Master's happiness.”

GAHANNA - Kenneth Samuel (Sam) Deacon, Jr., 79, passed away surrounded by his family on 02 March 2025, after succumbing to the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Sam was born in Akron to Kenneth S. Deacon, Sr. and Elizabeth Lovejoy Deacon. He was raised in Stow by his parents and with his younger brother, Lawrence (Larry). As a son of the fire chief and city school bus driver, he learned early a strong work ethic, the value of service to people and community, and the worth of a man as a provider. He strove to be an example of stability and continuously dedicated his life to the service of others.

Sam graduated from Stow High School in 1965 and entered the United States Air Force shortly after, serving proudly during Vietnam as a vehicle operator assigned to the 835th Transportation Squadron. During these years, he developed a love for all things cars, especially Chevrolet vehicles, while stationed in Kansas. Upon returning home from his service to our country, Sam built a life in Stow. He began his automotive career at Terex Corporation in Hudson, and after a short stint making wheels for large earth moving equipment, he was "called up" to General Motors. He spent the next 33 years as a welder maintenance repairman at the General Motors Stamping Plant in Lordstown, Ohio. All the while, he served on the Stow Fire Department as a tow truck driver and delivered pies for Osman's Pies. On one such delivery to the Brown Derby Restaurant in Akron, he met Janet P. Squire, and they married in 1970.

Life took off for Sam and Janet and they were blessed with two little girls, Nancy and Wendy, early in 1971 and 1972, respectively. In 1976, he moved his growing family from Stow to Tallmadge where he raised his girls, grew tomatoes the size of grapefruits and built a small but successful tree service on the side. Enduring his service to his community, he drove a school bus for the City of Tallmadge and served on the Portage County Fair Emergency Services Team. He attained his EMT certification and ran squad with CARE Ambulance Service in Kent. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Brimfield Fire Department in Brimfield and became a Haz/Mat Fire Inspector. Sam was able to complete one of his lifelong dreams in the early 80s as he became a Master Mason in Stow Lodge #768 in Stow, and then later transferred to Rockton Lodge #316 in Kent. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Kent, and a Noble with the Shrine of Akron. But no matter how busy or sleep deprived, Sam attended every track meet and band concert for his girls. Sam always found time to have a bonfire in at the end of the driveway anytime someone dropped in.

Sam wore many titles: husband, dad, grandfather, brother, friend, chief cook and bottle washer, The “Wood” guy, and perhaps his most well-known title, The “Mayor of Hughes Drive."  He loved being a fire fighter/EMT, his masonic brothers, and his toy truck collection. Sam dedicated his entire life to being the best at everything he did. There wasn’t a mechanical engine on the earth he couldn’t fix. He could make anything run! He used his various skills to navigate life, tackling projects around the house, supporting his family and friends and community. He was always there to lend a hand and was always fair. He was an amazing father and a phenomenal grandfather to his "Pride and Joy," Keegan and Megan. He was our hero, our biggest cheerleader, and most of all, he made everything better with a hug, it was his superpower!

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth, Sr. and Elizabeth; his brother, Larry, and his ex-wife, Janet P. Deacon. He is survived by beloved daughters, Nancy A. Deacon of Galloway, Wendy L. Murray and husband, Doug Murray of Columbus, and their twin daughters, Keegan and Megan; his special babies, his "Grand Pups," Moose, Maggie, and Dallas.

While we lost our most beloved dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, and our hope is that you all know, you were important to him; you were family to him.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 PM on 22 March 2025, at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow 44224.  Masonic services, conducted by Rockton Lodge #316 F & AM, will be held at 2:45 PM.

Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children , Shriners Children's, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA  30394. Sam lived their motto, "No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child." He would be honored to have his legacy paid forward.

"Go rest high on that mountain ~ Son, your work on earth is done."    by Vince Gill