William T. Deason
1938 - 2018
photo
William T. Deason

Chesapeake - William Thomas "Tom" Deason, IV, of Manassas, Virginia, formerly of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed peacefully on March 28th, 2018. Tom was born on July 22nd, 1938 in Washington, DC. He was the first born son of U.S. Marine, William Thomas Deason, III and his wife, Phyllis Bennie Young. Tom grew up in Germany and earned his Eagle Scout badge in 1952 in Acworth, Georgia. In 1957 he graduated from the General H. H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. Tom initially attended The Citadel but left and joined the U.S. Army in 1963. He served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, where he earned several Air Medals and other service distinctions. Tom married the love of his life, Barbara Ann "Penny" Aylward, in 1969 in Rockville, Maryland. They were blessed with the birth of two children, Maggie and Tommy. Tragically, Penny passed away in 1971. Tom never remarried and, when asked why not, would often say, "I went first class the first time." After his honorable discharge in 1967, Tom trained as an airline pilot. He flew for 28 years, first with Piedmont and last with US Airways. In retirement, Tom enjoyed flying, sailing, motorcycle riding, painting, and playing the violin. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Norfolk. Tom was the beloved father of Maggie Robinson (husband Ronald) and William "Tommy" Deason, V (wife Brooke), beloved brother of Joanna Bernard, Sallie Feldman (preceded in death), Helen Wiggins, Judy Valente, Timothy Deason (preceded in death) and Patrick Deason. He was the cherished "Papaw" of grandchildren Ronnie, Michael, Jackson, and Elizabeth Robinson, and Tommy, Allison, Robbie, and Kaitlyn Deason. Friends and family will be received at the Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home (4143 Dale Boulevard, Dale City, Virginia 22193) on Thursday, April 5th, 2018 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services and a celebration of Tom's life are on Friday, April 6th, 2018 at 12:30 PM at Mountcastle. Interment with military honors will follow at 2:00 PM at the Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (W.T. Deason Memorial Fund).

View the online memorial for William T. William T.



To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Virginian-Pilot on Apr. 3, 2018.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
APR
5
APR
5
Interment
02:00 PM
Quantico National Cemetery
MAKE A DONATION
Please consider a donation, as requested by the family.
Memories & Condolences
Guest Book sponsored by the family
9 entries
May 28, 2018
Captain Tom....I hope there are motorcycles in heaven so you, me, Doc Royer,Bill Backas and all the long distant Pilot riders in ORF can ride together again. What great times we had. Save me a seat. Rest in quiet pease my good freind.
David Whitney
May 28, 2018
David Whitney
April 4, 2018
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We were based together in Washington D.C. with Piedmont and everyone loved flying with him as he was so much fun...I can still hear his laugh and see his beautiful smile. We called him "Tom Terrific". As Joanie said, he was a real gentleman. Condolences to the family...what a wonderful father and grandfather you had!
Dianne Glennie (McClinton)
April 4, 2018
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. A great friend and pilot colleague in Norfolk, VA. RIP Tom!
Larry Mullis
April 4, 2018
So sad to hear of Tom's passing. A true gentleman! Deepest condolences to his family..
Joanie Alexander
April 4, 2018
I was an F/O on the B737 based in ORF . Tom was a Capt at that time also . I flew several trips with him . what a great guy ,easy going and excellent pilot. On one particular trip with him , this one particular F/A walked onboard ,who happens to be my wife of 28 years. we are very saddened to hear of Tom's passing . we will never forget him . Our sincere condolences to his family
Capt Darrell & F/A Cyndi Moorefield
April 4, 2018
I always looked forward to flying with Tom.
Steve Hunt
April 3, 2018
I am so saddened by the passing of Tom, who was a good friend through the years. His wife, Penny, and I were in the same class "stewardess" training. Sadly, I remember well when she died. Tom and I were based in Norfolk at the time. Tim was a wonderful man, a true gentleman, and a good Christian man.
Dawn Salas
April 3, 2018
"To fly West, my friend, is a flight we must all take for a final check

Deepest Sympathies
Piedmont Silver Eagles
Colleen Fields
Invite others to add memories
Share to let others add their own memories and condolences