Wenatchee, WA - John Roy Deason, 83, passed away on August 26, 2025, in Wenatchee, Washington.

John was born on November 15, 1941, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. In 1946, after a series of devastating tornadoes destroyed the family's crops, the Deason homestead was put up for auction. The family packed everything into their 1938 Chevy and headed west to the Yakima Valley. They lived for a short time in a work camp in the Selah Heights area before settling in Tieton, where John spent the rest of his youth.

Growing up in Tieton, John developed a lifelong love for orchard and farming. From an early age, he spent hours after school cutting suckers, pruning trees, and helping with anything that needed doing. This early connection to the land remained with him throughout his life. He continued to live in the Yakima Valley for most of his years, moving to Wenatchee in 2015 to be closer to his sons and granddaughter.

John graduated from Highland High School in Cowiche, WA in 1959. A natural leader and scholar, he served as ASB Student Body President and FFA President among other honors. He went on to attend Yakima Valley College and then Washington State University all on scholarships, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Horticulture.

After college, John briefly worked for the USDA in the Seattle area before returning to the Yakima Valley. He built a long and respected career at several banks, serving farmers and ranchers across the Northwest. Known for his empathy and understanding, John often spoke of the deep challenges families faced in holding on to their land -- something he understood firsthand. In addition to his banking career, he managed his own orchards and even cattle for a period, working early mornings, late evenings, and weekends to keep things going. John even participated with the Yakima County Sherriff Block Watch for a number of years.

John was known for his gentle, approachable nature and quiet strength. His presence and humor made people feel at ease, and his life reflected deep dedication -- to his work, his community, and family.

He is survived by his children: Clint Deason, Jay Deason, Traci Hamilton, and Ryan Deason; his siblings: Catherine Deason, Frances Deason, and Doyle Deason; and his grandchildren: Ty Hamilton, Etta Deason, and Joli Hamilton.

A service to honor John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Keith & Keith Funeral Home in Yakima, Washington.