AsphaltPro is saddened by the recent passing of Charles “Chuck” W. Deahl, a lifelong leader in the asphalt community. A mentor to so many of us in the industry, Deahl will be greatly missed.
Charles “Chuck” W. Deahl, 75, of Galva, passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.
Chuck was born August 20, 1943, the son of William Warren and Naomi (Queen) Deahl in Peoria IL. He graduated from Peoria Central in 1961 and from Bradley University in 1965 and completed post graduate studies at the University of IL. Chuck served in the Army Reserves stationed at Fort Gordon, GA in the late 60’s during the Vietnam Era. Upon completion of his studies he was employed as a Sales Rep for Hyster Co. who were then located in Peoria. In 1977 he came to the Kewanee Plant to be the Sales Manager, moving up to Vice-President of Sales and retiring in 2012 as National Accounts Manager. During his employment he traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and many foreign countries.
He was Past Chairman of the Associate Member’s Council of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. He was one of the original organizers of “The World of Asphalt.” He was a consultant for many State Asphalt Associations and assisted in many qualifying state projects. His nickname in the industry was “Mr. Compaction” and was highly regarded in the Paving Industry for his honesty, integrity, and knowledge of asphalt. If anyone had a problem or needed assistance they would call on Chuck. In 2016 at the National Asphalt Paving Association Convention, Chuck received the Associate Member Commendation for Exemplary Contributions to the Asphalt Industry. Chuck was a member of the First Presbyterian Church having served as an Elder, Confirmation Class teacher and youth leader. He was a member of the Black Hawk College East Foundation Executive Committee and recently served on the committee for their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Chuck was Santa’s #1 helper, visiting children in the surrounding communities and having lengthy conversations with them. Always making sure they knew the meaning of Christmas. He assisted his wife Sharon, as co-sponsor for fundraising and the silent-auction for the Henry-Stark Relay for Life. Chuck also served two terms as an Alderman for Galva City government. He loved his 1928 Model A which he drove in several Labor Day Rallies.
In 1968 Chuck married Sara Jo Carney and they later divorced. They had a son, Warren Louis (Zita) Deahl of Chandler AZ. In Nov. of 1982 he married Sharon Conner Sheets. She survives as do three step-children; Janelle (Dwaine) Ouart, Jill (Andy) Bullock and Troy (Erin) Sheets and step-grandchildren; Brooks (Bobby), Blake, Blair and Briley Bullock, Dylan and Courtney Ouart, and Nicholas, Lauren and Landon Sheets. He is also survived by a sister, Becky (Ben) Wrigley of Grand Rapids, MI and nephews, Benham (Amanda) and Bill Wrigley.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 14 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva. Dr. James Breed will officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the services and private inurnment will be held in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider sending a memorial to NAPA Care Emergency Benevolent Fund (a fund established to support the family of a NAPA member who suffers a fatal accident while working in the line of duty) 5100 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200 – Lanham MD 20706-4407.
To view Deahl’s obituary and service details, visit here.