Obituaries

Roger Deanes was born on November 15,1936 in Cedar Bluff, Mississippi to Lilton and Idella Deanes. Both parents as well as his sister (Helen Burrell) preceded him in death. Roger began his education in Birmingham, Alabama. When his family moved to Memphis, he attended Hyde Park Elementary School and Manassas High School.
At Manassas High School, Roger played saxophone in the band and was selected to attend Tennessee American Legion Boys State and was elected Lieutenant Governor. It was also at Manassas High School that he met the love of his life, Faye Coleman in typing class.
Roger attended Central State University in Xenia, Ohio where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Xi Chapter and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While attending graduate school at Indiana University, Roger was drafted into the Army and served in Seoul, Korea and Vietnam. Roger and Faye continued to date throughout college and exchanged letters throughout his military duty.
After spending two years in the Army, he traveled back to the United States and Roger and Faye were married on June 5, 1961 in Gallup, New Mexico. They returned to Memphis, TN and were blessed with two sons. Roger began his teaching career in 1962 at Barret's Chapel High School. He taught at Bartlett High School and later became a counselor. He then moved on to Millington High School as an Assistant Principal, and in his final position, he served as Principal at Millington Middle School for eighteen years. During his career he obtained a Master’s degree in Education and achieved Career Ladder III status while at Millington Middle School.
Roger and Faye joined the United Methodist Church in 1972. He spent more than 45 years in the United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, and a member of the United Methodist Men and Finance Chairperson. After moving to Lakeland, TN, he became a member of Advent Presbyterian Church where he served as a greeter, a member of the 201 Sunday School Class and volunteered at the First Presbyterian Soup Kitchen with his class.
Roger was an avid bowler and golfer. Roger continued to be very active in Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, graduate chapter Alpha Delta Lambda. Along with other members, he helped implement the Senior Brothers Connection. He traveled to all fifty states as well as many countries in Europe. Roger and Faye renewed and celebrated their fifty-year wedding vows at the Wedding Sanctuary in Cana of Galilee while on a trip to the Holy Land in Israel. He enjoyed travel and loved road trips. Roger’s greatest enjoyment was centered on the love he had for God and his family.
He leaves his best friend and devoted wife of 63 years, Faye Deanes, two sons and their spouses Eric "Keith" and Regina Deanes of Chanhassen, MN, Everett "Kevin" and Lisa Deanes of Bowie MD, four amazing granddaughters, Erica "Rachel", Lauren, Camryn, Carsyn, three sister-in-laws, one brother-in-law, two special first cousins, Shirley Faye Seymour and Shirley Ann Dickens. He leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews to celebrate his life and legacy.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
24
Oct
1626 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Committal Service
25
Oct
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
Cemetery Details
Location
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125