Donald Hugh Pearson Deel

Donald Hugh Pearson Deel, 89, of Sebastian, FL completed his earthly journey peacefully on September 25, 2026, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach, FL.

Don was born in Kingsport, TN on April 24,1937 to the late Hugh Cannon Pearson and Geneva Thelma Huff.

In 1956, Donald began what would become a 51-year distinguished career, at the brand-new Ford Chicago Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, IL, serving as a Tool and Die Apprenticeship and subsequently achieving Journeyman status. In 1964, Donald was elected United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 588 District Committeeman and Constitutional Delegate for the 19th Convention in Atlantic City, NJ, meeting the UAW founder Walter Ruether and Robert F. Kennedy.

In 1966, Donald was elected Skilled Trades Chairman, holding that position on the Bargaining Committee for 25 years. During this period, Donald was appointed by Walter Ruether to become the first Chairman of the newly formed International Skilled Trades Advisory Committee (ISTAC), he was elected President of UAW/Ford Sub Council # 3 by the Skilled Trades leadership from all UAW/ Ford locations, and he was also chosen as National Negotiator. Along the way he and his wife met and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Jesse Jackson and countless other prominent politicians and dignitaries.

In 1991 he was appointed Employee Resource Coordinator to help guide the next generations of Ford employees and UAW members. He held that position until retirement in 2007. In 2019, he made Sebastian his permanent home, where he treasured spending time with those he loved. Above all else, his family was the greatest joy of his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Doris Aleene Jayne Deel, who passed away July 29, 2018 and is survived by his three children, Alyce (Patrick) Weglarz of Vero Beach, FL, Donald Deel, Jr., of Cedar Lake, IN and Mia ( Charles) Chalik of Parkland, FL; sisters, Faith Olivo and Karen Moore; six grandchildren, Eric (Jodi) Beyhl, Jaquelyn Campbell, Lauren Deel (Tyler Horst), Logan Deel, Natalie Deel (Kylan Loch), and Ivana Chalik; nine great-grandchildren, Chloe Colvin, Greyson Horst, Jackson Beyhl, Jaxon Horst, Olivia Deel, Lincoln Horst, Roman Horst, Malakai Deel-Loch and Myles Deel-Loch.

He was also preceded in death by brothers, Jerry Pearson Deel, David Deel, and Lee Roy Deel; and granddaughter, Deirdre Deel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2555 58th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32966. Following Don’s Celebration, both
Don and Aleene will be lovingly placed in their family Columbarium niche at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach, bringing them together once more to rest side by side in peace.

At the family’s request, please consider A Bloom Lab Florist located at 1122 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32960, 772-205-2405 for all funeral floral pieces.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.