Kevin Deaton, 61, was recently diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and fast-spreading forms of cancer. In the coming weeks, Kevin will undergo major surgery to remove part of his pancreas, spleen, and the tumor itself. Following surgery, he faces months of chemotherapy, appointments, and recovery, all in hopes of keeping the cancer from returning.

This journey will be long, painful, and uncertain, but if anyone has the strength and heart to fight through it, it’s Kevin.

Kevin devoted 37 years of his career to working with youth. Before serving 20 years as a correctional officer with the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, he spent 17 years working at the children’s home and in other youth programs. Off the clock, he dedicated decades to coaching youth baseball and softball, even spending time coaching at the college level. Whether on the field or in the community, Kevin has always given his all to support and uplift others.

A true Marion, IL local, Kevin is known for his big personality, quick wit, and even quicker tennis backhand (just don’t ask him to play doubles, he’ll tell you the racket isn’t big enough to help his volleys!). For the past few years, he’s been a bright light at Forever Tennis, where his energy and passion have made him a beloved part of the team. He’s the guy who lights up the room, always ready with a smile, a joke, or a challenge to hit the court.

But behind all of Kevin’s strength is the love of his life, his wife, Angie.

Kevin met Angie while breakdancing at a teen club, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Married for 38 years, they’ve built a beautiful life together with three children and six grandchildren who adore them both. The love between Kevin and Angie is something truly special, not just a marriage, but a deep, enduring bond that’s weathered every storm. This battle with cancer, however, is the hardest one yet.

Watching Kevin face this diagnosis has been incredibly difficult for Angie and their kids. He’s the heart of their family, always present, always dependable, always making them laugh. The thought of seeing him in pain, of watching him struggle through surgeries and treatments, is heartbreaking for them.

Family and tennis are what Kevin loves most in life, and both will be key to helping him through these dark days.

Kevin has mentored countless kids, from high school employees at the store to young athletes on the field. His wisdom, warmth, and life experience have left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. He’s not just part of the community, he’s helped shape it.

Now, he and Angie need our help.

This GoFundMe is to support Kevin and his family with the overwhelming medical expenses, travel costs for treatments, and lost income as he focuses on healing. Any amount, big or small, will go directly to helping ease the burden so Kevin can focus on what matters most: getting better and being here for his wife, his children, and his grandkids, the people he loves more than anything in the world.

If you know Kevin, you know he’d give the shirt off his back for a stranger, and probably make them laugh while doing it. Let’s come together and give back to someone who has given so much to us.

Thank you for supporting Kevin and Angie through this incredibly hard time. Let’s help them fight, with love, strength, and maybe a few bad tennis jokes along the way.