Jason Michael Deaton
1971-2019
Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Michael Deaton USAF (retired), 48, died peacefully in his home in Edmond OK on November 8, 2019.
Jason started life in Hinsdale IL and spent parts of his childhood in Chicago and the DC metro area before his family settled in central Arkansas. He graduated from Benton High School in 1989 and went on to earn a BS in Biology at Henderson State University. While at HSU he met a nursing student named Beth Self who became the love of his life and—in 1992—his wife of almost 27 years.
When Beth’s military career took the pair to San Antonio TX, Jason embarked on his graduate career at UT San Antonio, earning an MS in Environmental Science as well as a teaching certification in science. Not content to rest on these laurels, he joined the Air Force in 1999, later attending Air University where he earned a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree in 2013.
While serving in the Air Force, he was assigned as an Air Battle Manager. During his training, Jason’s quick wit, intelligence, and sarcasm stood out and quickly earned him the call-sign Stewey. Jason also served as a Combat System Officer/Air Battle Manager Instructor for over two years. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, an Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, an Aerial Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star. Jason repeatedly deployed throughout the Middle East in support of campaigns including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Kingpin.
Surviving Jason are his wife of 27 years, Beth Self Deaton; sons Zane and Ian Deaton; parents Larry and Marilyn Deaton of Benton AR; brother Bill (wife Marney) Deaton of Charlottesville VA; mother-in-law Helen Self of Hope AR; brothers-in-law Jon Self of Seattle WA and Todd (wife Regina) Self of Prattville AL; sister-in-law Jill Self of Hope AR; best friend of more than 40 years Johnny (wife Gabriela) Wilson of Los Angeles CA; numerous nieces and nephews; a large and loving extended family; and many friends around the world.
A memorial service has been slated for 4:00 p.m. November 15, 2019, at Matthews Funeral home in Edmond OK with inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jason’s memory at fightcolorectalcancer.org.
I was saddened to hear of this news. I worked with “Stewey” at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and Balad Airbase, Iraq in 2006-2007. He was an expert in Command and Control operations and did a great job leading a combat crew of Airmen controlling aircraft over Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, ensuring our soldiers on the ground received timely air support during critical ground battles. He cared deeply about his team and took care of any issues they faced during our stressful deployments to Iraq. He made a lasting contribution to the Air Force and a positive impact to the personnel he came in contact with during his distinguished career in the Air Force.
My condolences to Beth, Zane, Ian and the entire Deaton family during this tragic time.
Sincerely,
John “Greek” Grivakis
My most sincere condolences and prayers to Beth, their children, and the whole Deaton family. Stewie and I served together at Tinker and Eglin AFB. He was a great brother-in-arms and will be truly missed.