GENE T. DESKINS
1926-2012
JOHNSON COUNTY
Gene Tunney Deskins, 85, was born on October 30, 1926 in Kimper, Kentucky to
Garrett Allan and Erma June Deskins. He was drafted by the Army to serve
World War II in 1945 and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. He returned
to Pike County to complete his education and on November 11, 1949 he married
his wife, Ruth Dotson Deskins. Gene and Ruth had four children, Anna Deskins
Melvin, and husband Chuck Melvin of Paintsville and Brenda Deskins Cooper and
husband Robin Cooper of Lexington, Thom G. Deskins and wife Cherie Ramey of
Staffordsville, and Shelli Deskins LeMaster and her husband Bryant LeMaster
of Paintsville.
Gene had nine grandchildren: Emily Melvin Mooring and husband Clay Mooring of
Lexington, Hunt Cooper and wife Jessica Stacy of Lexington, Ty Melvin and
wife Roxsana Lopez of Lexington, Cassie Cooper of Gastonia, North Carolina,
Lauren Melvin of Paintsville, Madison Deskins and Taylor Deskins of
Lexington, Chloe Deskins of Paintsville, and Barrett LeMaster of Paintsville.
Gene was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Grace and Max Mooring of
Lexington and J.T. and Luke Cooper of Lexington.
Gene is also survived by his sister Geraldine May and the late Ed May of
Abingdon, Virginia, Garrett Allan, Jr. and his wife Ruth of Meta, and Linton
Deskins of Tipton, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jack
Deskins, Dover Deskins, William Deskins, Charles Deskins, and his sister
Christine Young.
He began working for Commonwealth Life Insurance in 1952, where he was
employed for over 30 years and received a multitude of awards for his
service. Gene joined the First Christian Church in 1977, where he remained a
dedicated member for over 35 years. Gene also was involved in various civic
organizations including serving as a charter member of the Paintsville Lions
Club chapter. He was recognized for his involvement in the community on
several occasions.
Gene was a devoted family man and a person of strong faith. He leaves behind
a loving family which also includes his church family.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., today, Wednesday, May 16, at Paintsville
First Christian Church, with Wes Stedefeld officiating. Visitation will be
noon until service time on Wednesday at the church.
Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, under direction of
Jones- Preston Funeral Home, Paintsville.
Big Sandy News
May 2012
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