Frank Allen Deans

Garner, NC – Frank Allen Deans, 43, left his earthly home on June 30, 2017. Allen’s strong will to live and unwavering faith in God, coupled with the care and devotion of his loving wife and the prayers of family, friends and others gave him the courage to battle through more than five years of grueling surgeries and numerous treatments. He will be remembered by those that witnessed his trials as one of the strongest men ever to face cancer. Allen was born January 26, 1974 to Frank and Kathie Peaks Deans of Williamston. He graduated from Bear Grass High School in 1992 and immediately entered the US Air Force. In 2008, Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. While in the Air Force, Allen met and married the love of his life, Vikki Rufer Deans. They have two wonderful children, Austin Michael and Jenna Taylor Deans. In addition to his parents, wife and children, Allen is also survived by his sister, Angie Deans Bailey, her husband, Jason and their children, Wyatt and Emerson, all of Garner. Allen had a special place in his heart for many, but especially for his aunts, Jo Morgan and Janie Nicholson. Allen also had a special place in his heart for Austin’s girlfriend, Jenna Doares, who has supported the entire family throughout Allen’s illness. Allen is survived by his in-laws, Wayne and Marie Rufer, of Nevada; sister-in-law, Valerie Bridges and husband, Gary, of Washington; and brother-in-law, Robert Rufer and wife, Jackie, of Kansas; and six nieces and nephews. Allen was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Jodie and Ruth Peaks of Williamston and his paternal grandparents, Edgar and Nora Deans of Windsor. After more than 21 years of service, Allen retired from the US Air Force in 2013 with the rank of Master Sergeant. At the time of his retirement, Allen was Section Chief of the Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems, Transmission Systems, 319th Communications Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base. He proudly served his country with honor, dignity, love and respect. Allen received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal; the Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters; the Overseas Ribbon Short; and the Overseas Ribbon Long. Throughout his career, Allen was assigned to six different military bases and deployed to support several military operations throughout the world. In his short years, Allen lived life to the fullest. He loved all things nature, including hunting, fishing and four-wheeling through the extreme terrain of the Alaskan landscape. Most of all, Allen loved his family and friends. He cherished the role of father and enjoyed sharing his love of figuring out how things worked with his children. Likewise, to know Allen was to love him. His outlook, even at what seemed to be the darkest moments, was a testament to his faith in God, his love of life and his hope/belief in a cure for cancer one day. Allen lived by the principle of being kind to others, for you truly don’t know the trials they are facing. He will be remembered as brave, wise, strong, the tie that bonds his family together, and a true blessing given to us by a loving God. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Maple Grove Christian Church Family Life Center in Jamesville, NC. Family visitation will be held from 1pm – 2pm, with the service immediately following visitation. The family would like to thank everyone for the support, cards, love, and prayers throughout Allen’s illness. A special thank you to Calvary Baptist Church of Raleigh and Maple Grove Christian Church. In addition, the family would like to thank the staff at Johnston Hospice for their loving care and compassion, most especially Kimm and Pam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577. Contributions should be made payable to Johnston Health Foundation.