David Deeg

David Deeg, of Chattanooga, passed away at his home on April 29, 2017. David was born on Aug. 18, 1936, in Evansville, Ind. David grew up in Evansville, Ind., graduating from Reitz High School then continued his education at Indiana University earning a BME in Music Education with an emphasis on vocal performance; MM in Choral Conducting and Opera; and completed his Doctoral studies in Choral Conducting. While at Indiana University, he was a member of the Singing Hoosiers, Varsity Singers, and Varsity Four Barbershop Quarter. His tenor voice was part of numerous operas presented on the Bloomington campus. Throughout his adult life, David continued using his musical skills to direct church choirs in Indiana, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Florida. David served as Music Director at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church from 1980-1994. In 2005, Indiana University Singing Hoosiers honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his continued achievement in music throughout his life. David was a past president of the I.U. Music Alumni Association. David taught music in the South Bend, Indiana public schools. He then applied and was accepted for the position of music supervisor for Maui County, Hawaii, where he coordinated the music programs for the public schools. He did graduate work at the University of Hawaii, directed the university’s summer chorus, and directed the Honolulu Community Chorus in "Porgy and Bess" under the supervision of Andre Kostelanetz. In addition, he served on the faculty of Maunaolu College on the Isle of Maui, where the re-organized and directed a popular dance troupe specializing in archaic Hawaiian music and dances. He returned to Indiana University for postgraduate work, where he served as assistant director of the state high school music clinics. David enlisted in the Army in August 1966, auditioned for and was accepted by the U.S. Army Field Band as tenor soloist until, in recognition of his musical and leadership abilities was chosen to direct the “Soldiers of Song.” In 1969, David was discharged from the Army and accepted a position at the University of Southern Indiana as Assistant Professor of music and music development. During his tenure he established the annual Madrigal Dinners which to date is the longest continuous running event on the university calendar. He also developed the Mid-America Singers, the primary show performance group on campus, the University Singers, and the Choral Union. After the teaching profession, David was involved in the fundraising industry prior to taking a position as Sales Manager for Southern Champion Tray Company. He retired in 2002 after 22 years at SCT. David was an Eagle Scout, member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Gideons International, and Chattanooga Yacht Club. David was preceded in death by this parents, Clarence and Emma Deeg; and brother, Paul Deeg. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rebecca Deeg; son, Michael Deeg (Aditi), of New York City; daughter, Julie Dillman (Scott), of Carmel, Ind.; four grandchildren, Max, Sophie, Alexa, and Andre; sister-in-law, Ruth Lankford; brother-in-law, Phil King (Cheri); and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. Visitation will follow the service in Dudley Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation, designated for the David V. Deeg Music Scholarship, 8600 University Blvd. Evansville, Ind., 47712; or to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, 612 James Blvd., Signal Mountain, Tenn., 37377. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.