Robert Leslie Deason, age 100, passed away February 4, 2025 at Monroe City Manor in Monroe City, MO.

He was born November 10, 1924 in Hannibal, MO to Leslie Clarence and Bertha Elizabeth Morris Deason, the third of their four children. In 1943, Bob was drafted during his senior year of high school. He joined the Coast Guard and served during World War II aboard the Admiral W. Ebberly in Korea and Japan.

In the summer of 1946, Bob returned home and attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State) in Kirksville for three years, then transferred to MU in Columbia.

In 1950 he met Jean Morman on a double blind date. They were meant to go out with the other two on the date, but they immediately hit it off, switched dates, and married in the fall in Center, MO. By the spring of 1951, with their first child on the way, Bob left school a few credits shy of graduating to go to work.

Bob owned a service station in Palmyra before attending barber college in St. Louis. He and his young family moved to Mexico, MO in 1957. He barbered in Mexico for twenty years, first at the White Front Barber Shop and then at his own shop, Mexico Barber Shop. In 1977 he sold the shop to his business partner, went to work at A.B. Chance in Centralia, and stayed there until his retirement in 1991.

Bob believed in giving back to the community by volunteering. Many people needing help came to him. He especially enjoyed working with young people. He served as a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, receiving the Golden Beaver Award for his many years of service. Bob also served on the board of the Mexico Youth Center, assisted with Sing Out Mexico, bowled, coached and played church-league softball, sang in the choir at Mexico United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School, and mentored boys who needed a father figure. Bob finally gave up volunteering at age 90 at the Senior Center in Mexico.

A generation of kids remember Bob as their barber, their mentor, or their friend. He loved telling jokes. Some might recall his magic trick of pulling a quarter out of the ear of an incredulous child.

Upon retirement, Bob became a familiar sight at Arthur Hills Golf Course. He played as often as possible. He enjoyed offering tips to young golfers and taught several golf clinics. He bought, refurbished, and sold golf clubs, too.

In 2015, Bob and Jean moved to Monroe City Manor in Monroe City where he worked 3-D puzzles, made many friends, and complained about the 103 year-old woman who cheated at Bingo.

At age 98 on Veteran's Day, the University of Missouri awarded him a bachelor's degree in business administration when they determined he met academic requirements to graduate with his military education factored in. Representatives from MU held a commencement ceremony for one at the nursing home attended by his proud family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, George and John, and his sister, Marie Bastian. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of Monroe City Manor, his daughter, Deborah Carey (Dan) of Perry, MO, and his sons Leslie (Donna) of Moberly, MO and Robert (Peggy) of Matthews, NC, eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandkids.

Funeral services will be held at Pickering Funeral Home in Mexico, MO on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11 a.m.

Visitation will be on Monday from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Mexico United Methodist Church. They may be also sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.