Michael Deal

Michael Vaughn Deal, 53, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, passed away on January 19, 2025, after a valiant battle the last few years with many ups and downs. Mike passed away surrounded by his loving family, he fought so hard to stay here with us all the way to the end. Mike was born in St George, Utah, September 22, 1971, to Susan Warby and James Allen Deal. From the time he was a baby he was on the move. He loved anything that could make him go - from his walker to his first trikes and tractor, to go karts and dirt bikes. From the time he was old enough, he wanted to be outdoors. He started school at West Elementary, later Santa Clara Elementary, finishing at Pineview and later Millcreek High school. His fourth-grade teacher once said Mike would be his top student if the classroom was outside. Mike was such a fun kid. When he was growing up, he gained a love for camping and arrowhead hunting when his grandma and grandpa Deal would take him and his brother Denny out camping on the Arizona Strip. He also had a love of being in and around water. At the age of three his Grandpa Chadburn nicknamed him "water dog" and he also gained his love for fishing from him.

In his teenage years, Mike worked several jobs while he attended High School. He worked at Crazy Bob's outlet where he helped assemble toys and bikes, Poncho and Lefty's as a cook, and Nisson's Foodtown where his friendly personality made him great at customer service. In 1994 he started working for Roman Marble; this was the beginning of his life-long career. Mike became a skilled craftsman installing marble bathrooms, counter tops & showers; he became one of the best installers and often would be requested by contractors because of his quality of work and attention to detail. He took so much pride in his work and had an outstanding work ethic - working long hours each day. It was rare that Mike would ever take a day off; even if he was sick, he would still go to work.

In 1995 Mike married his sweetheart Michelle Bowler and from that marriage they had 3 beautiful children, Austin Michael, & twins Brittany Etta and Brandon Arshal, and they've been blessed with 6 precious grandchildren, Ayden James, Braylee Michelle, Quentin Michael, Chloe June, Brixton King and Lucy June.

Mike and Michelle moved to Hurricane, Utah, and they lived there for 9 years raising their family. In 2003 they were able to build their dream home in Washington, Utah. Mike put numerous hours in making our house a home: installing marble in the bathrooms, putting in kitchen countertops, tiling the floor, and what he most enjoyed was making our dirt yard a beautiful sanctuary - it became the favorite family hangout spot for future barbeques, birthdays, and holiday gatherings.

When Mike wasn't working, he enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be hiking in the desert, arrowhead hunting, camping in the mountains, hunting, fishing, or four-wheeling. Sharing his love for the outdoors with his children was a passion of his. His children have so many cherished memories of floating down the river in the Isuzu, camping in Oak Grove, learning how to fish, and let's not forget, in the desert is where each of his children learned to drive a stick shift. There are so many priceless memories that his family will forever hold dear to their hearts. Mike had many health struggles early on in life, but this didn't stop him from providing for his family, he persevered through it all and never gave up. He was always able to beat the odds with his drive and pure will. In 2019 his shoulders were disabled from a grand mal seizure, and this took away his beloved career, but he continued to work in the capacity that he could. In 2023, his continued decline led to a massive stroke. This took all his abilities, and his life expectancy was slim, but with his drive and will he was able to overcome even these adversities and gain his independence once again. Not long after his stroke he was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and he slowly declined, but during all of his health struggles he refused to give up. He persevered through the challenges and chronic pain. His stubbornness to remain independent would prove how strong he was; up until a few days before his passing he would refuse help even when struggling with a task. Mike will forever be loved and missed by his family. He left an incredible legacy of love, selflessness, and sacrifice.

Michael is survived by his spouse Michelle Bowler Deal, children Austin Michael Deal (Brittanney Shields) of Salina UT, Brandon Arshal Deal (Meka Laws) of St George UT, Brittany Etta Deal of St George UT, 6 grandchildren Ayden James, Braylee Michelle, Quentin Michael, Chloe June , Brixton King, and Lucy June. Mother Susan Warby Maggard of Beaver UT, Mother and Father-in-law Arshal & June Bowler, Washington Utah, Brothers Tyler Deal ( Jonna Horton) Clearfield UT, Brett Deal (Amber Deal) Mesquite NV, Cole Maggard Oklahoma, Clay Maggard (Mindy) Beaver UT, Traci Maggard Owens (Alana ) Plain City Utah , and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father James Allen Deal, His bonus dad Steven Victor Maggard, Brother Denny Deal, Grandma and Grandpa Chadburn, & Grandma and Grandpa Deal.

Services will be held Friday, January 24th at 3:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St George, Utah. A Viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm. At the same location. Interment will take place in Beaver, Utah at the Beaver City Mountain View Cemetery on Saturday, January 25th at 1:00 pm.

Family and friends unable to attend the service in person are invited to join us live at the following link: Service Livestream

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary. 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah 84770. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to share memories on Mike's digital tribute page at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com

We would like to give a special thanks to Rocky Mountain Hospice for their care and support during one of the most difficult times in our life.