John Michael Deck

Mr. John Michael Deck, 70, of Pana passed from this life at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at home in Pana.

He was born in Taylorville, IL on March 13, 1954, the son of Burton “Buck” and Rita “Marie” (Durbin) Deck of Crossville, TN.  John married Bonita Huston in Kincaid on July 13, 1987, and she preceded him in death February 21, 2024.

Mr. Deck, previously of Crossville, TN, and Langleyville, IL, had worked for Kennedy Metals and Crossville Ceramics as a mechanic and maintenance worker.  He built several houses with his family in both Illinois and Tennessee.  He was a fighter until the very end, surviving Polio as a child, experimental surgery to correct fused leg bones, survived lung and brain cancer, had a fall that broke his back, nearly died from anaphylactic shock, and had a near death fall at home which put him in a wheelchair.  He would never give up. John enjoyed visiting with friends and family, loved telling stories and joking around.  In his younger years he enjoyed canoeing, camping, front porch sitting, computer gaming, shooting pool and sipping on a PBR.

Surviving are his sister Rita Schmidt of Arkansas, brother Robert “Bobby” Deck of Crossville, TN his 3 children Brandy (husband Brian) Goatley and Jeremy Deck all of Pana, IL Mandy (husband John) Sexson of Bulpitt, IL 7 grandchildren Tyler Halleman, Skye Halleman, Adrian Tollett, Brandon Griffiths, Brianna Griffiths, Emma Deck and Lyric Deck 4 great-grandchildren Rayne, Addilyn, Isaiah, and Isabela, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Mr. Deck was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bonita (Huston) Deck in 2024, and his brothers James and Kenneth Deck.

Visitation for Mr. John Michael Deck will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Masterson Funeral Home in Kincaid.  Celebrating his life will continue following his visitation at Burton’s Tap in Langleyville – 110 W. Taylorville Rd – Taylorville.  Burial will be at a later date in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to his family or the American Cancer Society.  Memorial’s offerings along with cards of condolences for those not able to attend John’s visitation may be mailed to his daughter, Mrs. Mandy Sexson, P.O Box 492 – Kincaid, IL 62540  

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