Jon Franklin Deans

Jon Franklin Deans, 71, of Watkinsville, Ga., went home to be with his Lord whom he loved very much on August 7, 2022. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Jon was born on August 15, 1950. He was the son of the late William Franklin Deans and Doris Hood Deans. He grew up in Richmond, Va., and attended undergrad at Virginia Tech and majored in English. It was during his freshman year at Virginia Tech that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was immediately compelled to share the Good News of the gospel with everyone he met. After graduation, he joined staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. He remained in ministry for the rest of his life. His most recent ministry being Founder and Director of The Great Exchange for the past twelve years.

He met his wife, Diane, of 40 years at Watkinsville First Baptist Church where they were married on June 10, 1982. He lovingly raised five children and found great joy in investing in the lives of his eleven grandchildren. Jon had a sense of wonder, and enjoyed being with his family and friends, fishing and hunting, all while talking about Jesus.

Jon was a strong leader, fun-loving, full of life, and was well-loved by all who knew him. He lived a long life of faithfulness until God decided his work here was done. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. He has now heard “well done, good and faithful servant” and has entered the joy of his Master.

Jon’s mission was for everyone to know the hope of exchanging their sin for the righteousness of Christ. It was his desire that every man, woman, and child have the opportunity to place their trust in the work of Christ for their right standing with God. This mission is what drove him to share the gospel with everyone that he met, from neighbor, to friend, to student, to strangers. He did not stop here. He was also passionate about bringing others along to also share the Good News of the gospel. For this reason, his mission will continue through The Great Exchange. “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Jon is survived by his wife, Diane Deans; children, Joni McNeely (Matthew), Emily Kelly (Mark), Chris Deans (Chelsea), Caleb Deans (Katie), Kelsey Flowers (Chris); grandchildren, Charlie, Kellan and Piper McNeely, Jake, Lucy and Josi Kelly, Harvey and Hayden Deans, Zoe and Ada Deans, Claire Flowers; siblings, Ronnie Deans (Arlene), Karen Deans.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 12:00 pm at Watkinsville First Baptist Church with Pastor Carlos Sibley officiating. The family will receive friends the evening prior at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home West Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jon may be made to The Great Exchange at P.O. Box 1171 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 or online at TheGreatExchange.org .

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.