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1935 - 2023
 William Stephen Deel, 88, of Milton, W.Va., passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was born July 16, 1935 in Clendenin, W.Va., a son of the late Charles Russell Deel and Maysel Carpenter Deel. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Deel; two daughters, Sara Deel and her husband, Jeffrey Cavender and Susan Economou and her husband, Peter.
Bill spent his life in education. First in attaining degrees from Glenville State College, where he remained an active alumnus, West Virginia University, and finally, his doctorate in education from Indiana University. He then used his knowledge to advance higher education through Marshall University where he worked for thirty-one years, retiring as the Assistant Vice President for Administration. After retirement, he served as the President of the Marshall University Emeritus Club.
Bill was a member of the United Methodist Church, serving as chair of many church committees as well Conference Lay Leader. He was named the Conference Layman of the Year in 1978. Bill also served as Conference President of United Methodist Men, and Chair of the United Methodist Church General Board of Publication.
Bill was a charter member of the Optimist Club of Huntington, where he participated in community service programs for area children and youth.
After retiring from the University, Bill could most often be found driving his tractor and cutting brush on the family farm in Wirt County. He loved discovering new foods and meeting folks in his travels and enjoyed impromptu road trips. He was a talented musician and singer and loved singing in his church quartet and choir.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Milton United Methodist Church with Pastor Nancy White officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Memorial Park, Milton. Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the church. Wallace Funeral Home, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
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There are currently 10 condolences.
Betty Barrett
Friday December 29, 2023 at
10:01 PM
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Dear Martha, Sara and Susan, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Bill was a fine man, so dedicated to Marshll University and its students. One strong memory I have was sitting with Bill and Martha at the opening football game in the new stadium, as Bill worried about everything working properly. All went well, to his great relief.
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Mary Bland Strickland
Thursday December 28, 2023 at
12:27 AM
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May God's blessings be with you at this time. You are in my prayers.
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Julie Yearego
Wednesday December 27, 2023 at
6:45 PM
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So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a joy to be around and will be missed. Praying for comfort for Martha and their family.
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Tonabell Turner
Saturday December 23, 2023 at
8:25 PM
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So sorry to hear this. Bill was a good man and will be missed by many. Our prayers with you and family, Martha.
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Charlie Wilcoxen
Saturday December 23, 2023 at
8:12 PM
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Bill was one of the most positve human beings on planet earth. He was a positve role model for so many. I always admired him and will miss him.
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Kathy Roten
Saturday December 23, 2023 at
7:59 PM
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Have fond memories of Dean Deel at GSC. Prayers for comfort & peace to the family.
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Dave Williams
Saturday December 23, 2023 at
2:26 PM
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Bill Deel , a kind and humble Christian man who will be sorely missed by all who knew him, a mentor to many. We know that Bill is with Jesus now, as he was a good and faithful servant of the Lord. Bill could have made a great preacher. He did preach on an occasion or two when he filled in for the pastor. I also recall a number of times in Sunday School when his passion and the spirit would bring a tear to everyone’s eyes.
I enjoyed cooking the men’s breakfast with Bill and Brad Stewart. Bill made great biscuits. I bet Bill, Brad, Jim Davis and Virgil Carroll are all together praising the Lord and enjoying Bill’s biscuits daily.
My heart and prayers go out to Martha and to the daughters, Sara and Susan
We love you and miss you Bill.
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Jack Neal
nealjackson70@hotmail.com
Saturday December 23, 2023 at
1:50 PM
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Dr. Deel (Bill) was Dean of Teacher's College at Marshall University when I was there. He was always helpful in my endeavors, especially my student teaching assignment. He was a good and Godly man. Rest in peace. Prayers for Martha and family.
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Gary Gillespie
Saturday December 23, 2023 at
1:11 PM
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Dear Martha,
Anna Belle and I were saddened to learn of Bill's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Kim Karnes
kimkarnes1984@gmail.com
Friday December 22, 2023 at
5:19 PM
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My heart is braking after hearing this devastating news. I'm thinking of & praying for Martha, Sara & Susan. Bill & Martha have been close with my whole family since @ 1972. My parents went on many adventures with them. I never made a life decision without consulting with them first. Bill was like a second father to me. The Deel & Karnes family share so many memories. My dad had a special bond with Bill. One of my most cherished memory is when Bill would lead music in church & on occasion, as my dad would say "the spirit took over" & Bill would sing "wide open"! It would bring dad to tears, naturally, now that Dad, Mom and my sister Gena have all passed, when I see Bill "wide open" I can't help but uncontrollably sob. God needed Bill, I get that, but there's definitely a hole left in my heart knowing I can't seek his advise. I do have comfort in knowing I will see him again, & that he is fishing with Dad in heaven. RIP Bill, until we meet again ❤️💔.
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