Kenneth L. Deater Sr.

Deater, Kenneth L. Sr., 73, Johnstown, passed away February 20, 2017 at UPMC Shadyside. Born January 20, 1944 in Philadelphia son of Kenneth V. and Leticia (Kemble) Deater. Preceded in death by parents and wife of 42 years, Rebecca J. (Sapolich) Deater. Survived by children, Ken Jr., Keirsten Deater-Deckard married to Kirby Deater-Deckard, and Kirby Deater married to Kelli (McCauliff).  Grandchildren, Anna and Elly Deater-Deckard, and twins Kolton and Kaelyn Deater. Mr. Deater attended Belmont United Methodist Church. Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. While in the Army he won the All-Army Entertainment Contest. Ken was was a patriot and 2nd Amendment supporter. He was an avid gardener and outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and boating. He also loved to cook and bake.  Member of the Daisytown Sportsman Club, American Legion #0849 and the Harmony Singing Society. He enjoyed building his model railroad. He was a Boy Scout as a young man and volunteered his time and expertise with the Boy Scouts as an adult. He also participated in the Indian Guides program through the YMCA with his sons. He had a lifetime passion for music performing in various bands in and around the region from the 50's until the early 2000's. The bulk of his professional career was in sales with 3M Corporation. He also worked in broadcasting, and acted in local television commercials. In one commercial he played ‘the Genie’, teaching the public how to use an ATM. Another character he played was ‘Mother Sound’. He also appeared on television during the annual Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. He was the founding member of the G.O.T.I.W.O.B.O. club, an expert on all subjects and self-appointed M.S.I.U.E. He was a collector of all things, a holder of many jobs and skills, including: artist, painter, musician, actor, poet, chef and all around craftsman. Friends will be received Friday from 4:00 pm until time of memorial service at 7:00 pm, at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave., Pastor Keith Dunn.

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