Edward Hope Deariso

Funston, GA – Edward Hope Deariso, Maj., USAF, Ret’d, 89, of Funston, GA and Sopchoppy, FL, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Funston City Cemetery with the Reverend Ron Shiver officiating. Military Honors will be rendered.

The family will receive friends and family from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM, Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Cobb Funeral Chapel.

Casketbearers will be Edward Hope Deariso, II, John J. Deariso, Michael L. Deariso, Marlin Jones, Jack Giles and Kevin Hall.

Born December 5, 1935, in Moultrie, he was the son of the late George Arthur Deariso and Gladys Dooley Deariso.

He attended Moultrie High School, Norman College, Auburn University and Arizona State University, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a Minor in Nuclear Engineering.

During a twenty year career in the United States Air Force, he spent five years as a Staff Sergeant, fifteen years as a Nuclear Weapons Officer and later as a Conventional Weapons Officer. He received numerous awards including the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam. Early in his career, he married Jaunell “Nell” Harrell, and together they served in several states and countries.

Following Hope’s retirement from the US Air Force, Nell went to work for the Department of Health as an RN. Hope built their home on the farm and began raising cattle. Since both Hope and Nell loved to fish, they bought a cottage on the Sopchoppy River, fishing both fresh and salt water. They spent many happy years there.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Patricia Deariso Floyd and Leila “Kay” Deariso Hall.

Survivors include his sons, Edward Hope Deariso, II, John H. Deariso and wife Donna, Michael L. Deariso; grandchildren, Tori Deariso, Amy Deariso, Christie Deariso and Jake Sherman; sister, Lynn Deariso Henderson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Cobb Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.