Carlos Edison Deason

Carlos Edison Deason, 89, of Quincy, passed away May 14, 2015 in Tallahassee. He was born July 27, 1925 in Bristol, Florida to William A. and Ethel Peters Deason. He was a lifelong resident of this area and an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in numerous leadership positions. He was also a graduate of the Florida State University where he received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Advanced Master’s degrees in education. Carlos successfully completed 43 years of public service on December 31, 1987 when he retired as principal at Shanks High School in Quincy. Carlos began his long career soon after high school by serving in the U. S. Navy during World War II and then began his career as teacher, coach, county supervisor and principal. Deason began his teaching and coaching career at Liberty County High school in 1947. In 1952, he moved to Quincy High School in Gadsden County and began a rebuilding program in a school where the football teams had gone winless for 2 years. In 1954, his team won the Conference Championship. The following year the team repeated as Conference Champions and went undefeated. At the conclusion of his coaching career at both Liberty County High and Quincy High, Deason’s teams had won 138 games, lost 52 games, and tied 7 games. Additionally, his teams had been undefeated 4 times, had won 9 Conference Championships, and had won 4 out of 6 bowl games. He was named Conference Coach of the Year 8 times and was All Big Bend Coach of the Year twice. He also served as Coach for the North Squad in the Annual Florida High School Activities Association (FHSAA) Senior All-Star football game in 1960. In 1991, he was inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame. In 1967, Deason was appointed principal at Quincy High School. During his years as principal, he served with distinction. He served on the FHSAA Board of Directors for 6 years; on the FHSAA Executive Committee for 4 years; initiated the first school-based health clinic in Florida, appeared on the Good Morning America Program to discuss the work and success of the health clinic; was a consultant to the Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN) to make the resources of Dade County available to all other schools and counties interested in computerizing students’ records; and received special recognition for setting up an innovative program to improve overall student achievement and improve students’ test scores on State Student Assessment. Carlos was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ivaleen Sykes Deason, and son Randy Deason. He is survived by two sons, Ken Deason and his wife Pam and Terry Deason and his wife Martha Jane. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jim Deason, Chuck Deason, Matt Deason, Jared Deason, Liam Deason, Nathan Sturnlio, and Nicholas Sturnlio; and six great grandchildren. The family will receive friends, Friday, May 15, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. at Bevis Funeral Home in Bristol. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday May 16, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Bristol, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Big Bend Hospice, the LDS Missionary Fund, or any scholarship funds serving the students of Liberty or Gadsden Counties. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home, is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850) 643-3636, www.bevisfh.com

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Carlos Edison Deason

July 27, 1925 - May 14, 2015