Charles William Deaner "Chuck"

Following HS graduation Chuck joined the 9th Army Air Corps serving in World War II in Europe. Grateful for the GI Bill, Chuck received a BA degree from Gannon College, Erie, PA, followed by a JD degree from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Coming to Las Vegas in 1952, Chuck was admitted to the Nevada State Bar in 1953. His first law office was upstairs in the Cornet Building on Fremont Street. Ultimately Chuck and his partners built the Deaner Law Building on 4th and Gass. Beginning in general law, he specialized in Real Property Law as the community experienced rapid growth. His textbook on Real Estate Law was widely used by the legal community and the Board of Realtors signifying his unparalleled expertise in this field. His counsel was widely sought by his peers. His passion for teaching and his love of the law was evidenced through numerous courses that he taught at UNLV and other venues. The Pre-Law Program at Gannon University is named in Chuck’s honor. Chuck was a member of the Nevada State Bar for 63 years, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and active in the Nevada Law Foundation. Chuck had a wide variety of interests as evidenced by his 26 years of service on the District Board of Health of Clark County, his lengthy activity as a Boy Scout leader, and his service with the Clark County Legal Aid Society. He was a Shriner and active in the Kiwanis club. Wealth didn’t interest Chuck much, he knew he was rich when he was with his family or while watching the 51’s play baseball at Cashman field, sipping a cold beer or hopping on a train…any train. He was a walking encyclopedia of train tables, baseball facts and Abraham Lincoln. Chuck had an extraordinary mind and a wonderful heart; he practiced law during the early years when everyone knew everyone, watching out for each other and working together to develop a strong community. He was a practicing lawyer until his death at 94, ending with the firm of Deaner, Malan, Larsen & Ciulla.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Stuard, Harriet and George; his son and law partner Doug and his wife Lucy.

He is survived by his wife Susan; his sister Edna Mae; his daughter-in-law Nancy; four grandchildren (Julia, Richard, Kathryn and Lisa); eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Palm Mortuary (7600 S. Eastern Ave). A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Las Vegas Church followed by a Reception at the Spanish Oaks HOA Clubhouse.