Oct 26, 2012

Harold E. “Gene” Deems, 78, of Washington, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, following a lengthy illness. He was born April 7, 1934, in Bentleyville, a son of the late Merle Deems and Mildred Rodgers Deems Tustin. Mr. Deems had worked for McGraw-Edison and Cooper Power Systems in Canonsburg for 24 years, retiring in 1991. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Deems was a member of American Legion Post 175 of Washington. He was an avid Steelers fan and enjoyed NASCAR, but most important was the time he spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family. On November 19, 1960, he married Patty Scarff, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Christy Crile (Brian) of Washington; two sons, Skyler Deems (Brenda) and Darren Deems, both of Florida; eight grandchildren, Vaughn Crile (Lindsay), Nicole Sachek, Ashley Korte (Derek) and Tiffany, Courtney, A.J., Holli and Tyler Deems; five great-grandchildren, Vaughn, Ava, Evelyn, Kaedin and Bentley; two sisters, Joyce Butterfield (Butch) and Janice Sikora (Dave), both of Washington; his best friend, Art Snyder; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are four brothers, Donald, Charles, Barry and Ed Deems. A private service was held in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, with military honors. Arrangements were entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.