Walter Deaver

SERVICES: 2:00 PM Friday, February 11, 2011, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel in Pampa, with Rev. Thacker Haynes, pastor of First United Methodist Church of McLean, officiating. Masonic rites are courtesy of Miami Masonic Lodge # 805 AF&AM. BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery in Pampa, under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Ray was born February 3, 1945 in Bakersfield, California. He had been a resident of Miami and Pampa most of his life, but resided in Mineola at the time of his death. Ray was a master carpenter and his professional workmanship can be admired all over the Panhandle. He was proud to be a 32nd degree Mason of the Miami Lodge. He enjoyed many hobbies, including bowling, fishing, traveling and classic cars. Ray never met a stranger and opened his heart and his home to many over the years. He is well-known for his generosity, sense-of-humor and playing practical jokes on his numerous friends, but his true devotion was to his beloved family. He married his soul-mate, Carol, when he was 17 years old and she was but 15 years old. In recent years, they traveled all over the country for his work as an insurance adjuster. He was a loving husband and father, and doting "Poppy" to his grandchildren.SURVIVORS: wife: Carol Deaver of the home; son and daughter Shawn and Sarah Deaver of Pampa; daughter: Tawny Johnson of Lefors; 4 grandchildren: Erika Mauricio, Payton Johnson and Joey Johnson, all of Lefors, and Paige Cook of Pampa; 5 great-grandchildren: Carmen Vela of Lefors, Cecil Cook, Zain Cook, Lilly Cook and Rosaline Cook, all of Pampa; sister and brother Shirley and Rich Parent of Shreveport, Louisiana, brother and sister Dan and Josie Deaver of California; sister Pat Candreay and brother Gary Deaver both of Oklahoma; brother and sister Junior and Vickie Slate of Pampa; 6 nieces: Lisa Nelson of Corsicana, Stephanie Slate of Pampa, Kelly Griffith of Amarillo, Stephanie Davis of California, Peggy Coleman of Oklahoma, and Sue Ann; 1 nephew: Dean Deaver of California; special friends: Jack and Donna Hamel of Flippin, Arkansas; and faithful dogs: Blu and Doc. Ray was preceded in death by a daughter: Cindy Deaver; his parents: Walt and Juanita Deaver; his loving mother-in-law: Hazel Robinson; and father-in-law: Elijah Slate of Miami.