Tony Deatherage, former Dallas Masters sprinter, dies at 72
Wayne Bennett passes along the sad news that his friend and former masters sprinter Tony Deatherage died last week at age 72. His funeral is set for today in Wichita Falls, Texas, according to this newspaper obituary. Wayne writes: “Tony was a longtime member of the Dallas Masters Track and Field Club and a very good sprinter for many years until injuries forced his retirement. He will be missed.” Friends and family have posted condolences at the funeral home’s site. Tony competed as recently as 2005, when he ran a 14.2 100 at the Dallas Senior Games in the M65 age group.
Here’s the local obituary:
Anthony Gerald Deatherage, 72, Dallas, Texas, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at 11 p.m. at Medical City in Dallas.
Tony was born August 9, 1936, the hottest day (114 degrees) on record in Wichita Falls. Mr. Deatherage went to the State Championship in basketball for the Wichita Falls Coyotes as a junior in 1954 and graduated from what is now called “Old High” in 1955.
He graduated from Texas Tech in 1960 and married Jane Gutzman, his wife for 47 years, September 22, 1961. Tony played semi-professional fast pitch softball for many years in both Wichita Falls and Dallas. He retired from softball and started running masters track. He won hundreds of medals as a sprinter and coach over three decades.
In 1992, Tony had the fastest time in the nation in the 100-meter dash for the 55-59 age group with a time of 11.92 seconds. He was inducted into the U.S.C.A.A. Hall of Fame in 2006. Mr. Deatherage retired from Texas Instruments in 1994 as an engineering administrator.
Tony was preceded in death by his father, Gerald; his brother, Terry; his mother, Mary Francis; and his brother, Tim.
Survivors include his wife, Jane; sons, Adam Deatherage and wife Liberty of Wichita Falls, and Kyle Deatherage and wife, Amy of Dallas; grandchildren, Geordy, Trevor, Tatum and Logan; his nieces and nephews, Greg, Michelle, Shanna, Todd and Amanda.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the sanctuary of Floral Heights United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls at 2 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2009, with the Rev. Merwyn Turner, officiating. Friends may call at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls on Saturday and Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a memorial in Tony’s name to the charity of your choice.
3 Responses
I have worked with Kyle for 10 years and was at the funeral yesterday. It was a testiment to Mr Deatherage’s life and while I did not know Tony when I arrived I felt I knew him when I left. Both “boys” Adam and Kyle spoke as to how growing up thier goal was to please thier father, they both did him proud yesterday. My deepest sympathy in your loss.
Clyde Wyatt
Navigation Financial
Tony was a great guy. I first met him in the mid 80’s when he was in his late 40’s and Tony ran some outstanding sprint times then. Wayne may remember his times better than I but I remember low to mid 11’s in the 100 for Tony in those days. He will be greatly missed.
I tried to run track again after many years away from it,and Tony was a lot of help to me in my effort to start running again. He was a nice guy and I will miss him and his friendly attutide toward me. God bless his family,and I am sure he is running for the Lord.
So sorry
George Tanoos
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