Family of Michael Deason honors his sacrifice

By CHRIS CLINE
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Published: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:28 AM CST

DESLOGE — City officials, friends and veterans gathered with the Deason family Wednesday afternoon to dedicate the new basketball court in the Desloge City Park. The court was renovated in honor of  U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Deason, Desloge, who was killed in Iraq on Aug. 31, 2006.

The idea for the basketball court makeover was the brainchild of Michael’s sister Ashley Deason. Ashley gave a speech at Wednesday’s dedication.

“No matter how many months and days pass, we still miss Michael so much,” she said. “Although my family and I will never forget Michael or the sacrifice he made for each of us, we wanted to do something in our community to honor him and each of our local soldiers who gave their life for us. Before my parents bought him (Michael) his own basketball goal at our house, he would practice at the Desloge Park.”

Ashley made a formal request to the board of aldermen in August for permission to renovate the court in honor of her brother.

She wanted to resurface the court and have a free-throw line painted. She also planned to purchase a new goal. When the project was done, a plaque would be placed at the site to honor Michael Deason.

Ashley said she would raise money to pay for the project and did not request any money from the city. She said she wanted to take on the project because her brother, who was a Desloge resident, loved to play basketball and she felt it would be a fitting tribute to his memory. The board approved Ashley’s request.

Over the next couple of months Ashley and her father David raised money by collecting donations for the project. A red, white and blue free-floating surface was purchased from Flex Court Athletics. The surface snaps together like a grid. The company discounted the price of the court to David Deason because of the situation. Normally the court would cost $2,891.67. The Deasons received a $1,000 discount. A new goal and three benches were donated by Andy Kearns of SportsPlay Equipment. Kearns was a former classmate of Michael’s.

Ashley named several individuals and organizations that helped with the fundraising effort. She singled out the North County Class of 1996, the North County Intermediate School and Larry Payne.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.

 

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