Mervin "Ed" Deal

Mervin “Ed” Deal, 89, of Dundee, FL, died at 3:07 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Life Care Center of Winter Haven. He was born May 2, 1929 in Farmersburg, IN, the son of James “Ed” & Lura (Swinger) Deal, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother Loren Deal; and by his sister, Lorena Lowry. He married Judy Kay Staten on December 15, 2005, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, James Deal II; by his step-children, Amy & Melvin Steward and John & Trina Austin. Though born in Sullivan County, Ed’s family soon moved south of Palestine, IL where he spent most of his childhood. He answered his country’s call at the age of 15, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The next 22 years of his life found him continuing to serve his country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars on a total of 10 ships. Ed also served at the Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Electronic Laboratory, and even performed instructor duties at various naval schools. His service prompted him to join the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve Association, as well as the V.F.W., where he was a life member. He was also a baptized member of the Church of Christ. Ed Deal was a Navy man, through-and-through. Even more importantly, he was a good and decent man. His family, friends, and country are all the beneficiaries of his selfless sacrifice. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow and will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday with Branch President Aguirre from the Robinson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, “DAV”, a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.