If a deceased person's checking account is closed can their refund be deposited into the executor's checking account for disbursement?

The IRS will honor the direct deposit for the bank account that is entered on the tax return with few exceptions.  It's never a guarantee on any tax return, but it's a rare occurrence when the direct deposit is not utilized when requested.  It's preferred that a taxpayer should deposit into their own account, but it is not required.