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SSGT Anthony T. Deal
July 30, 1975 - August 8, 2011 By all accounts Anthony (Tony) Deal was a very bright and intellectual young man with an immensely sociable personality. As I painted him I could almost feel his energy radiating from the canvas! Tony was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools System and graduated from Parkway West High School, where he was a member of the DECA program, acting as president in his junior and senior years. (He also placed 2nd in the National DECA program.) He played football and performed major roles in plays; Shakespeare was his favorite. Tony attended Culver Stockton College where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Tony enlisted in the U.S. Army and later joined the 3175th Chemicals Division of the Army National Guard in 2009. He was deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant while stationed in Kosovo. After his tour was over Tony elected to stay there and help train other Countries Personnel in the Military Police and Security. In August of 2010 Tony was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He maintained a positive outlook and always tried to learn more about the disease. After surgery and chemo/radiation treatments for eleven months Tony passed away on August 8, 2011 at the age of 36. Tony is remembered for his vibrant personality (which included a sense of humor), his talents, and mostly his dedication to God, Family and Country. Not surprisingly Tony was well liked and respected by his platoon members and Commanders. He was the recipient of numerous awards and medals. Loved ones recall that among his many interests was fishing…….he and his friends would set up camp where they fished all day and all night; and bowling…….he and his mother, Mary, had traveled to different cities to participate in VA bowling tournaments. (He had a 200 average!) Tony was blessed with a son (AJ) in 2008. He was a devoted father, son, brother and uncle. Portrait sponsored by: |