WASHINGTON — Robert Elias Deaton, 81,

passed away at home Monday, May 25, 2020.

Robert was seldom lonely in his home in Old Washington, Arkansas with many who traveled to see him regularly. Robert was born on February 4, 1939 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to B.L. and Kate Hasley Deaton. Though tragically orphaned at the age of 10, Robert, a descendent of early settlers in South Arkansas was proud of his family heritage and appreciated the kindness of his sister, Doris Deaton Thomas, and the H.W. McMillan family who, raised him as one of their own.

After attending Henderson State Teachers College and Ouachita Baptist University pursuing dance and theater, he honed his skills in a Master’s Program at the University of Michigan where he focused his education on television, directing and acting.

Robert moved to Little Rock and taught theater at Central and Parkview High Schools. In 1972, he married Susan Pfeifer, the love of his life, and devoted himself to her and his stepson, Brad Sherman. He founded the Stanton Road School, and spent several summers studying with Lee Strasberg at The Actor’s Studio in New York and Los Angeles.

In 1989, Robert moved to Maui and taught Speech and Theater at the University of Hawaii and worked with Bill Clinton on his first presidential campaign. After retiring he continued casting and raising funds for various films, Broadway productions, progressive politicians and taught theater at the University of Arkansas at Hope.

Robert collected people and beautiful objects and loved being surrounded by both in his home.

Robert is survived by his beloved stepson Brad Sherman, his wife, Chris, and their family. He is also survived by nieces Janice Deaton Shirey, Anne Thomas Buck, and Kay Thomas Graham and nephew, Larry Thomas and their families. Robert adored his god-daughter, Megan Delamar Schroeder.

The family would like to thank those who supported and cared for Robert including Julia Peck Mobley, David McMillen, Stephen Brown, and Tim Orchard. Heartfelt thanks to Mike Malek, Mary Stutten, Julie Roberts, and the devoted staff who cared for Robert in his home.

A private burial will be held at Richwoods Cemetery in Curtis, Arkansas under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Hope. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a safer time to gather in Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council or the Arkansas Arts Center.

During this season of social distancing we invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/lettersof-love.