Lawrence Edward Deaton Jr. was born June 2, 1939 in Weeksbury, Kentucky to Lawrence and Lillie (Hamby) Deaton. The eldest of five children in a coal mining family, he was a hard worker from an early age. Neighborhood ladies had him hauling water, gathering coal that had dropped onto the ground, and collecting “slops” for hogs to earn hand pies and other treats. Lawrence loved to tell of his move to Michigan when he was twelve. All five children with their parents and grandmother piled into their sedan together. The assigned seat for Lawrence was on the “hump” in the middle of the floor of the back seat.

Lawrence met the love of his life, Carol (Tolbert) Deaton, in Monroe when he was fifteen. He told a friend at the time that he was going to marry her, which he did in 1959. They raised three children, Kathy (Deaton) Revels, Gary Deaton, and Jennifer (Deaton) Lancaster in a country home in LaSalle, MI. The family tended a large garden, preserved vegetables and tomato sauce, and shared bounty with friends and family.

Having a talent for problem solving, Lawrence accepted a position with Steel Castings of Monroe hoping to attend college to earn a degree in Engineering. Raising a family took priority over college, but he worked as a foreman at Steel Castings until they closed. Because he knew the trade so well, Lawrence owned and operated a small foundry making trivets, bells, and eagles from bronze and aluminum. Eventually, North Star Steel recruited him as a foreman, and he retired in that position.

A fierce, devoted disciple of Christ, Lawrence couldn’t contain his passion for the Lord. He shared his love of Christ and the Bible with family, friends, and strangers. He was active in multiple churches over the years and enjoyed visiting local churches in his spare time. He enjoyed playing guitar as part of the worship team, especially when he could play with his brothers.

Lawrence was loved and supported his family and had a soft place in his heart for children. He and Carol would often host gatherings for family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, family fish fries, grilling a steak to perfection and making his own barbecue sauce for ribs and chicken.

White he made his home in Monroe for nearly 70 years, Lawrence moved to Mason, Michigan in 2020 to be near family. He passed peacefully at home on October 21st surrounded by family and listening to his grandson, Kevin, softly playing guitar for him. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Carol; daughter, Jennifer (Deaton) Lancaster; son, Gary Deaton; parents; Lawrence and Lillie Deaton; brother, Harold Deaton; and sister, Carolyn (Jack) Branham. He is already missed by many, including his daughter, Kathy (Brian) Revels; brothers, Gordon (Nancy) Deaton and Harvey Deaton; granddaughter, Heidi (Ryan) Berridge; grandson, Kevin (Allison) Revels; five great-granddaughters; and many extended family members, friends and acquaintances.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service for Lawrence will be held at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 South Telegraph Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161 on Wednesday, November 3, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 am until the time of the service at 1 pm. Rev. Rick Massingill will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.