Everette Allen Deaver
- Everette Allen Deaver Sr’s Obituary
Everette “Allen” Deaver Sr, led an incredible life filled with unbelievable accomplishments in the business world while maintaining focus on his church, community, and most importantly his family and friends. On the evening of March 1st, 2024, Allen went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We’re sure that his wife, Nancy Deaver, his brother, Jo Wallace Deaver, and mother Josephine Wallace Deaver, along with the rest of his family and friends whose lives he touched and passed before him, were there to greet him at the gates of Heaven. In a world of achievements and “bucket lists” he wrote his own checklist while in high school and through the course of his life he checked off everything and more — he certainly didn’t leave anything on the table of life. He had a “matter-of-fact” way of stating his view where there was no doubt he was correct without being overbearing or dictatorial. His accomplishments were so wide-sweeping, and he touched so many lives even his immediate family is having trouble grasping the magnitude. At every turn, there is an unexpected condolence or even a story about how he was instrumental in changing a single life or an entire family.
Born in 1935 and raised in Knoxville Tennessee, Allen was a true Volunteer. He was the son of Everette “Fats” Hazelwood Deaver and Josephine Wallace Deaver. After graduating from West High School in 1953, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1957. He then entered the Army’s Nike Guided Missile School, served with General Medaris in the Army Ordinance Missile Command, and was instrumental in the Explorer Program that was tasked to catch the Soviets in the “Space Race”. Allen’s 38-year career with Armstrong World Industries began as a project engineer, and quickly rose to plant manager, building five plants across the United States and Europe, being the youngest plant manager in Armstrong’s history. After seventeen moves, they returned to Lancaster where Allen held corporate positions, the pinnacle being Executive Vice President in the President’s Office.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Nancy Taylor Deaver, brother J. Wallace Deaver, and infant daughter Nancy Carole. Throughout their marriage, Allen attributed the families success to Nancy. “We have all of this because of you,” he would say. Allen is survived by Everette Allen Deaver Jr., wife Debbie of Brentwood TN, granddaughters Sydney Deaver Donavan (husband Timothy) of Winter Park FL, Claire Deaver Whalen (husband Patrick) of Raleigh NC; Charles Wallace Deaver, wife Cassie of University Park TX, grandchildren Riley and Beau Deaver of University Park TX, Will Deaver (wife Meryl) of Houston TX; daughter Susan Deaver, grandchildren Andrew and Taylor Lemon of Lancaster, PA. Throughout his life, Allen had a heartfelt call to serve both the Church and his community. He actively served more than 46 years in the Presbyterian Church, holding the positions of Treasurer, Deacon, and ordained Elder, as well as serving on numerous committees. Most recently, Allen was an Elder of Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. In the community, he actively served in numerous organizations including the Kiwanis, Rotary, Boy Scout Council, United Way, Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania Economy League, and National Association of Manufacturers among others. He was a past Board member and Treasurer of the Lancaster Country Club. He continued to serve, in retirement, on the boards of major corporations including Armstrong World Industries (Lancaster, PA), PPL (Allentown, PA), Interceramic (Chihuahua, Mexico), and Geisinger Health Systems (Danville, PA) where the E. Allen Deaver Leadership Program was established in his honor.
Allen always said that the two best decisions he made in his life were 1) marrying Nancy and 2) working for Armstrong. His top priority was taking care of his family. He had a heart and personality that was as big as he was. As Allen’s family, we will miss the presence and humor that he brought to our lives. He had a way of uniting people while inspiring the positivity and lightness of heart in everyone. Allen’s objective in life was to take care of his family and those around him, and we are forever grateful that we got to spend part of our lives with this man as our closest friend. Beyond our family, Allen’s heart had a mighty touch. Wherever he went, no matter where he was, somebody knew him. Whether in the airport, in another town or country, at the doctor’s office, on the golf course, or out to dinner, somebody always thanked him for being a friend or a mentor. He made a significant impact on people’s careers and lives by writing letters of recognition. People will remember him for keeping his strong nature, humble yet honest tone, his love for values, and his clear distinction between right and wrong. He was a true gentleman.
We have fond memories of our Grandad’s witty advice, summed up in only a few words:
•Never pass up a chair with arms.
•Always go to the bathroom first thing in the morning.
•Get a copy of any document you sign.
•The reason they call it hard work is because it’s hard.
•The two hardest jobs in life are being a mom and a minister.
•You never really get to know people until you take the time to talk to them.
•Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!
•There are many ways to get a cow out of a ditch, but you can find the best way by listening to your team (his Dough Belly story).
•Leadership is about we, not me.
•John Wayne and Winston Churchill were great men.
Allen was a diehard Volunteer football fan and loved tennis, golf, woodworking, and driving around in his 1999 red Jaguar. What he lacked in fashion, he made up for in personality. His friends and family loved him greatly and he will be deeply missed.
The Deaver family would like to express a special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Brethren Village. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601.