KEN DEAHL PASSES AWAY

 

Kenneth Deal, Class of 1961, widower of Rebecca Daniels Deahl, passed away Wednesday, January 27.  

Kenny was a microbiologist in Washington, DC residing in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Rebecca was a 1961 Fairview High graduate. She passed away in November, 2020.

Their children are Dennis Deahl of Owings Mills, Maryland; Erik (Jenean) Deahl of St. Mary's, Maryland; and Charisse (Aidan) Jacques of Silver Spring, Maryland.

Paul Stanley Deahl, Class of 1969, married to South Carolina native Billie Deahl, is Kenny’s brother. Paul and Billie live in Greenville, South Carolina.

Kenny and Paul’s parents are Loretta Adeline Deahl and Horace Raymond Deahl.

 

Kenny and Paul’s sister is Juanita Deahl Koziol, who lives in Columbia, Maryland. Another brother, Anthony Deahl, Class of 1960, is deceased.

 

Paul played football for Monongah High on the 1968 state championship team and at Fairmont State. Paul had spinal fusion surgery in 2018. He fractured back vertebraes playing football for Monongah High. Quick thinking by teammate Ron Manzo, who immobilized Paul’s neck, probably prevented even worse damage.

Son Erik Deahl’s post:

“Despite our sadness and grief our Dad and Mom are now re-united in Heaven. As many of you know Mom passed away on election day and now Dad has left us yesterday to rejoin Mom.

 

“Dad was without a doubt the type of man that would not only give you the shirt off his back, but also put a little money in your pocket for good measure. The two of them were a powerful force of Giving. With humble beginnings Dad pushed himself (with Mom support) to complete his PHD despite the challenges of blatant racism, segregation and poverty. Dad taught us to respect the dollar and the true meaning of hard work. He motivated and supported all of us kids to go to college, and all of us have become successful and have respectful careers of our own.

 

“Dad had a strong personality and great since of humor. He was an outdoorsman who love to hunt, fish and plant. He was an athlete, even playing college football, and was a huge fan rooting for of course WVU and always for his old friend and teammate Nick Saban.

 

“More than anything else he loved to get together with family and talk about the good ole times and the tough times. He loved to share his knowledge he'd gained and of life in general with whoever would listen. Our Dad loved his family, was a great Dad and he will be truly missed.”

 

Dr. Deahl’s obituary:

Dr. Kenneth L Deahl age 77, departed this life to be with The Lord on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. He was born in Pikeville, Kentucky to the late Horace and Loretta Deahl. He was the Husband of the late Rebecca M Deahl for over 54 years.

Dr. Deahl was a graduate of Monongah High School in Monongah, WV. He was an avid scholar with a passion for plants. He attended Fairmont State on a full academic scholarship and graduated with honors, receiving his bachelor's in biology in 1965. Dr. Deahl continued his education at West Virginia University, where he earned a Masters and a PhD in plant pathology and agricultural microbiology. He was the first African American to graduate from West Virginia University in this field. He was recruited by the United States Department of Agriculture out of graduate school because of his extensive work in biochemistry and the nature of disease resistance.

He was a leading research plant pathologist/ microbiologist with the USDA. As an expert on Potato Late Blight, he traveled the world and focused on how to grow and harvest healthy potatoes. He worked for the USDA (Fruits and Vegetable Laboratory) for over 30 years.

Kenneth was a devoted member of The Olney Church of Christ where he served for over 35 years. One of his favorite past times was spending his summers in Tram, Kentucky as a child. Here he developed his love for fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed grilling, traveling the world and most of all spending time with his family.

Dr. Kenneth Deahl leaves to cherish his memory, 3 children, Dennis Deahl of Owings Mills MD., Erik (Jenean) Deahl of St. Mary's MD., and Charisse (Aidan) Jacques of Silver Spring MD. Seven grandchildren-Akara, Jay, Jadea, Evan, Rebecca, Aidan II, and Christian. One great granddaughter, Nahla. His Brother, Paul (Billie) Deahl of Greenville, SC. His Sister Juanita (Lloyd) Koziol of Columbia MD. Brothers-in -Law, Melvin (JoAnn) Daniels and Reverend Robert (Kathy) Daniels. Sister-In-Law, Shirley (Michael) Little and a Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was proceeded in death by his brother, Raymond Deahl. Dr. Kenneth Deahl Will Be Greatly Missed.