DESKINS, MR. AARON M. (Husband of Juanita) Muskegon Mr. Aaron M. Deskins, age 85, passed away from his battle with pulmonary fibrosis on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Aaron was born on April 26, 1928 in Clinton, TX to Frank and Thelma (Stephenson) Deskins. Surviving family members include his wife of 61 years, Juanita "Nita" (Casteel) Deskins; three daughters, Teri Deskins, Ann (Caz) Russell, Lisa (Bill) Arends; five grandchildren, Amanda, Billy and Matthew Arends and Cody and Ashley Russell; and his brother, Darvis (Glenna) Deskins. He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Kathleen Harper, Klema Perry and Rufus Deskins. Aaron grew up in Texas and West Virginia, retaining his beautiful southern drawl and the gift of storytelling. He was a proud Marine, serving as a First Sergeant from 1946-1948 and 1950-1952 and maintaining lifelong friendships with his fellow Marines. Following his military service, he graduated from Bowling Green University in August 1952, married Nita, and began his career climb. He retired in 1985 as the President of the Bowling and Billiards Division of Brunswick Corporation in Muskegon. Until ill health slowed his involvement, Aaron was deeply involved in the Muskegon community in leadership or mentoring roles in Rotary, United Way, The Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, as well as the development of the luge project at the Winter Sports Complex. He also served as an elder of The First Presbyterian Church. He was the owner of several small businesses, including his current business, A & D Machinery in Muskegon. Aaron was an outgoing, "people-person" and was never happier than when he and Nita could entertain friends and family in their home or on their flower-covered backyard patio. He was a strong family man and took deep interest in his children and grandchildren's lives. He and Nita constantly "adopted" people, bringing them into their lives, their homes, and their families. Aaron donated his body to The University of Michigan Medical School. VISITATION with his family will be from 5 - 8 PM Friday, March 21, 2014 at The Lee Chapel 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 MEMORIALS may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 Phone (877) 832-6997 www.woundedwarriorproject.org