Aaron ‘Skip’ Deacon

Skip Deacon, 68, of Creston died Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Celebration of life services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, at Powers Funeral Home, 601 New York Ave., in Creston. Pastor Chuck Spindler will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, south of Creston. Military honors will be provided by Theodore J. Marten's Post No. 1797 of Creston V.F.W. Open visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. Memorials are to be established in his name at First National Bank in Creston . Online condolences can be made at www.powersfh.com.

Aaron “Skip” Deacon, 68, lost his valiant battle following an unexpected illness on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. During his stay in the hospital, Skip was blessed to be surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Aaron Ward “Skip” Deacon was born Oct. 31, 1949, in Glenwood. He was the son of Robert and Linda (Miller) Deacon. He graduated from Creston High School in 1967.

On Jan. 4, 1969, Skip married Deborah Ann House of Lenox. He served his country in the United States Army from June 1969 through June 1971. Following his service to his country, he was honorably discharged. Skip and Debbie made their home in Creston, where Skip started his career with Burlington Northern Railroad in 1974. They welcomed four daughters, Kori Ann, Jae, Kelli and Amie. Skip and Debbie divorced in 1982, but remained friends as they raised their daughters.

On June 25, 1995, Skip married Teresa Joan Abell in Afton. They began their life together in the Creston area, where Skip continued to work for Burlington Northern. In 2005, Skip and Teresa purchased a farm southeast of Creston, where the couple raised cattle and had a host of dogs, cats, birds and fish. The animals were a welcome distraction after he retired from Burlington Northern after 36 years of service in 2010. Skip took great pride in his farm, his land and his domestic and farm animals. Most days, you could find him on the farm taking care of his herd, hanging out with his dogs and talking to his bird. Skip was also a member of the American Legion and Creston Masonic Lodge, and was a former member of the Elks Lodge.

Skip is survived by his wife of 22 years, Teresa, of Creston; his three daughters, Jae (Randy) Frazier of Houston, Texas, Kelli (Chris) Ewert of Spearfish, South Dakota, and Amie (Phil) Bairrington of Fort Worth, Texas. He is also survived by his four step-daughters, Kindrea (Steve) Smolk of Creston, Natalie (Jason) Cook of Creston, Nicole (Brad) Metzger of Orient and Kim Hartman of Des Moines. Skip was blessed by 21 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Ian and Gavin Hernandez; Holden, Hudson, and Hattie Ewert; and Addisen, Kyle, and Kori Tess Bairrington along with step-grandchildren Alana and Ezra Frazier; Hanna Hartman and Kaylynn Smolk; Jacob and Madalynn Cook; Zayne Metzger; Alicia Moranchel, Jasmine Peralta, Marcela and Gabriela Rodriquez; and Evan and Basailia Rubio-Ramirez. Skip is also survived by his three sisters, Eleanore (Mike) Henry of Creston, Carolyn Deacon of Kansas City, Kansas, and Dellene (Tim) Smith-Maxwell of Creston; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends and his beloved pets.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Linda Deacon; a daughter Kori Ann Deacon; a brother-in-law Andy Smith and two cousins, Kendall Kruse and Melodye Rohrberg.

Skip lived his life fully and loved to spend time with his family, friends and his furry family members. He found joy in helping others during his farming years and truly enjoyed the friends he would meet for coffee after his retirement. Often, though, he was happiest just hanging out at his house with his dedicated crew of dogs (and Petey the parrot). He lived to serve his family, friends and animals, and his commitment was second to none. He loved a good joke and enjoyed “peddling” things on the side, both to make extra money and just for fun! Skip was always looking for a deal! He was witty and liked to have fun. He loved the outdoors as he tended to his farm, loved watching “American Pickers,” mixed martial arts and “Forged in Fire.” However, his true passion was any time spent with family and friends.

Though his life with us was unexpectedly cut short, the memories are plenty. His legacy will live on as a loyal and loving, honest (he gave it to you straight), funny and ornery husband, father, step-father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. The family thanks the support and prayers of hundreds of friends over the last several months.