Bolivar Lewis Deacon, 86, of Troutville, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and a kindness that touched everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Erman B. Deacon and Martha Alice Scott Deacon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Everette Deacon (Betty), Warren “Scott” Deacon, Kenneth Deacon (Pauline), Hunter “Bruce” Deacon (Mary Jo), Douglas “Carlyle” Deacon (Bobby), Clarence Deacon, Curtis Deacon (Patsy), and Bernard Deacon; sister-in-law, Laura Deacon; brother-in-law, Ricky Love; and son-in-law, Richard Jones.
Bolivar proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he dedicated 40 years to Valley Cadillac and Oldsmobile. Whether he was under the hood as a mechanic or assisting customers as a service advisor, Bolivar was known for his mechanical expertise and his honest, helpful guidance.
Outside of work, he was an avid deer and turkey hunter, spending many quiet mornings in the woods. On Sundays, he could often be found cheering on his favorite drivers while watching NASCAR, or riding around in his old blue Ford pickup, which he had for many years.
He was known to many as an easy-going and considerate man who never knew a stranger. Bolivar was the definition of a “people person.” His wife, Darlene, shared that it was a profound privilege to be married to him, reflecting a bond built on decades of mutual respect and love.
Bolivar is survived by his wife of 61 years, Darlene Love Deacon; daughters, Sherry Dean (Christopher), and Tamara Deacon Jones (Daniel Hastings); grandchildren, Dustin Baldwin (Courtney), Taylor Batterson (Ian), Cody Dean (Emily), and Sierra Dean; great-grandchildren, Aurora Grace Batterson and Keith Bradley Batterson; brother, Boyd “BD” Deacon; sister-in-law, Nancy Deacon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. A funeral service followed at 2 p.m. with Chaplain Joseph Whiting officiating. Interment was in Springwood Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfh.com or 540-254-3000.
