Lewis H. "Buddy" Deer, age 82 of Malvern, died Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at his home. He was born on February 12, 1931 in Leola to the late Leonard Deer and Addie McHaney Deer. Reared and receiving his early education in Leola, he later attended Little Rock Junior College. Buddy served in both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. Buddy moved to Malvern in 1991. He had been associated with International Harvester as parts manager/sales for 18 years, had co-owned A & D Trucking Company in Harrison, Arkansas, had worked for Garrison Motor Freight, Smith Transfer and A. R. A. Transfer, and owned The Washtub Laundromat on Clardy Street in Malvern. Buddy was a member of the Bethlehem Lodge #338, F& AM, where he had been Worshipful Master. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church.

Buddy was also preceded in death by a brother, Donald Deer, by two half-brothers, and two half-sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Elliott Deer, to whom he was married on August 23, 1952 in Carthage; by his daughters, Donna Baker (Derek) of Malvern, and Diana Tennant of Dallas; by two grandchildren, Carla Priebe of Malvern and Caitlyn Tennant of Dallas; and three great-grandchildren, Jace , Carson, and BryLea Priebe.

His funeral will be on Friday morning, December 13, 2013, at ten o'clock in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Gary Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Leola Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: John Priebe, Jace Priebe, Carson Priebe, and Derrick Baker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Humane Society or the local animal shelter.

Special thanks from the family go to his caregiver, Janice Buckley.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.