Vern L. Deal passed away March 5, 2022, at home surrounded by his family who loved him.  He was born June 14,1948 in Monticello, Arkansas, the oldest son of Shirley E. and Dorothy Culp Deal.  His parents and stepfather, Billy C. Rogers preceded him in death.

Vern graduated from Drew Central High School in Monticello in 1966 and the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1976.  He served in the U. S. Navy from 1967-1973.  As a radar technician aboard the USS Hanson, he completed three tours of duty to Vietnam.

After moving his family to Sheridan in 1980, he worked for Entergy's coal powered plant in Redfield for 25 years receiving perfect attendance accommodations due to his great work ethic.  He and Sandra became sole owners of Keep 'n' Teach, Inc. in 1991.  As C hief O perating O fficer, head of maintenance, Vice President and full partner he often finished his day job to begin his work at the business. He was the ultimate "critical thinker" and could repair anything.

His love of the music of Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash is legendary.  Fishing, poker, playing rook, and spoiling his grandchildren were his vices.  He was an avid reader and trivia expert.

He was a member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church.  Vern loved God and was a wonderful example of Ephesians 5:25. He devoted himself to his wife's good. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Vern is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sandra Williams Deal; his daughter and son in law, Lisa and Johnny Swolensky of Arlington, Tennessee; his son, Dr. Stephen Deal of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and his four grandchildren; Johnathan Reid Swolensky and Evann Elyse Swolensky of Arlington Tennessee; Thompson Thad Deal and Gavin Andrew Deal of Greenbrier, Arkansas.  He is also survived by his brother Ned Randall Deal and wife Debbie of Richmond, Virginia: stepbrother, Joe Rogers of Monticello, Arkansas; stepsisters Kathleen Hale of Bryant, Arkansas; Pat McKinney of McKinney, Texas and Nancy Malone of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Many beloved cousins also survive him. His sweet," A ngel" dog, Mamie,  will miss him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 11:00 at First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church.  A visitation and reception will follow the service. Cremation arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  Internment of ashes at Deal Cemetery in Ladelle , Arkansas will take place at a later date .

​ In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Hospital or the preschool department of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church.

"Grieve not nor speak of me with tears but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you…I loved you so.