Kenneth Joe Deerman,87 of Huntsville, passed away on May 19,2024. Ken was born in Dutton, AL on March 25, 1937 to Dan and Bea Deerman.
He was a proud Navy Veteran, and a graduate of Athens State University. The remainder of his civilian career was spent working for the United States Air Force and the Department of Army Missle Defense. During his forty plus years of service, Ken travelled the world and received many awards and accolades for his work and dedication.
During his residency in Germany, on a tour of Austria, Ken had a chance meeting with a fellow Alabamian. That fortuitous encounter led to a conversation, and the love of a lifetime. He and Diane King married the following year. His adoration and devotion to his beautiful wife was evident every day of the next forty-six years. They raised their blended family of four children, living in Germany, Monterey, California, and eventually moving back to Huntsville permanently.
Ken’s big, bright smile and boisterous laugh were contagious. His sense of humor and wit were unmatched. He enjoyed nothing more than delivering a good joke or prank. He was a devoted friend, neighbor and family patriarch who loved having people together.
Upon his retirement, Ken and Diane built a business constructing and selling beautiful folding rocking chairs at craft fairs and festivals. They had so many wonderful experiences travelling and making friends throughout the country. His Saturdays and many other days post-retirement were spent walking eighteen holes of golf. In his retirement, he volunteered as a Marshall at the former Jetport golf course and enjoyed helping others pursue their passion. In the last few years, he found much delight in woodworking, gardening, and backyard chicken farming, as well enjoying treasured visits with his great-grandchildren.
Ken is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Diane King Deerman, two daughters, Cherie Deerman Kim (Kwon) and Hollye Cushing Whitaker (John), two sons, Gregory Joe Deerman (Leslie) and Jeff Deerman, one brother, Woodson Deerman (Carolyn), niece, Lisa Deerman Turner (Mark), whom upon the death of her father, became like his own, a number of special nieces and nephews, Martha, Ricky, Denise, Angela, Connie and Woodonna, Grandchildren Sydney Whitaker Apilado (TJ), Simon Whitaker, Kameron Kim Martinez (Jonathon), Eden Kim, David Kim (Madison), Nora Lisa Loftin (Thom), Kristin Deerman, and several special chosen grandchildren, Daniel, Dailee, McKenzie, Bailee and their children, his adored great grandchildren, Ada Mae Apilado and Anthony Apilado.
A memorial service and interment will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery at a later date.
