Extracted from The Reno Gazette-Journal (Reno, NV)
Sunday, February 21, 2010

John H. Deeter
April 24, 1919 - February 16, 2010

John H. Deeter passed away peacefully February 16, 2010 after a brief battle with Parkinson's disease. John was born in Shreveport, LA April 24, 1919. He traveled across the country with his parents at the age of six along with his three sisters and two brothers, settling in Southern California. As a young boy, John sold newspapers and magazines on the Universal Studios lot. He made tennis rackets and worked in the shipyards before joining the Navy. John moved to Bakersfield, CA as a young man and among his many business ventures, became a home builder throughout California. He also drilled oil wells in Texas.

John's passion for alpine skiing brought him to Lake Tahoe where he met the love of his life, Lee Conte. His best friend always at his side, John lived life to its fullest, skiing their beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains and discovering the wonders of Lake Tahoe together whether it be boating, waterskiing and swimming or tennis, biking, skating and hiking. John was a master on the dance floor and enjoyed traveling the world. He loved horse racing as an owner, breeder and 58 year member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. John's business ventures led him to his love of flying and he piloted his own plane for over 50 years. Together, John and Lee built their home in Reno and enjoyed many sunsets at the beach in Del Mar, but the full moon over Lake Tahoe is where they shared their most treasured memories together.

``JD'' leaves a part of himself behind his beloved wife Lee, his Best Friend and Companion of 31 years, for us to love and comfort until they meet again. John is also survived by his sister Toni Marcos (Ed), sons Daniel Deeter (Anna) and Michael Deeter (Maria), daughters Terri Anderson and Lu Marcos (Ed), 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grand-children, nephews Mark Deeter (Barbara), Bruce Deeter and Allen Deeter (Ginny) and his extended family Debbie, Jeff, Mike and Matt Todd and Robert, Sherri, McKenna and Jake LeVitt.

Family and friends joined John for his 90th Birthday party held at Hidden Valley Country Club and hosted by his wife Lee as they also celebrated 30 magical years together. John proudly referred to the occasion as his ``Celebration of Life''; therefore no services are scheduled. Remember today that he died and remember forever that he lived. Forever in our hearts...JD, Pops, John.