E. Melton “Mel” Deason, a retired pastor who served a number of churches in Alabama, died Jan. 8. He was 88.
Deason grew up attending Ensley Baptist Church and graduated from Howard College (now Samford University) in 1957. He earned a master of divinity and doctor of ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
During his 65 years of ministry, Deason served churches in several Alabama cities — Reform, Gulf Shores, LaFayette and Selma. He also served in Kentucky and in Florida, where he retired from East Hill Baptist Church in Pensacola after serving 17 years.
After his retirement, Deason returned to Birmingham and served as interim pastor for several churches, including Central Park Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Vincent and Westwood Baptist Church in Forestdale. He also volunteered for nonprofit and religious organizations.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth. He is survived by his daughters, Julie and Catherine; two grandsons; and one great-grandson.
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