David Duane Deskins

David Duane Deskins, 81, of Huntington, passed away on January 15th, 2022, at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. David was born on August 16, 1940, in Amherstdale, WV, the son of the late Alex Jasper and Mercedes Ratliff Deskins. He grew up in Wyoming County, WV. In 1958 he joined the Navy and served on the Guided Missile Cruiser, USS Providence, CLG. He later joined the US Army where he was a Green Beret in the 5th Special Forces Airborne and First Special Forces. He served two tours in Vietnam and was wounded in action in 1967, and was awarded a purple heart. He continued his military career where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault. He retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant in 1980, and moved to Lawrence County, Ohio with his family. He was a member of the Mariana Freewill Baptist Church in Wyoming County, WV and attended Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington. David loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He was an animal lover and enjoyed genealogy, Civil War history and spending time with his family. David was known for his gentle spirit and desire to put others first. He was kind, compassionate and greatly loved by all who knew him well. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Fred Allen Deskins, and his wife Judy Capps Deskins. Survivors include his loving wife, Margaret Janssen Deskins; son David Duane Deskins II; daughters Carol Denise Deskins and Elizabeth Dawn Nixon (Shane); Step-children, Brian McDonald and Barbara Stanley (Brandon); Brothers and sisters, Olive May Davis (Terry), Jane Renwick, Anna Grace Gregorich (Bob), Eddie Ray Deskins, Alex Deskins Jr. (Karen), and Earl Lee Deskins (Karen); Grandchildren, Christina Boyd (Scott), Felicia Deskins, Megan Deskins, Amarieona and Oliver Nixon; step-grandchildren, Luke and Logan Stanley; and five great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 21st, 2022 at 2pm at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, OH. Family will receive guests from 1-2pm on Friday the 21st. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Little Victories Animal Rescue at 3589 Wire Branch RD, Ona, WV 25545 or online at littlevictories.org. Condolences may be expressed to the family at ehallfuneralhome.com.

David Duane Deskins

August 16, 1940 - January 15, 2022