John Kevin Deeves

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of John Kevin Deeves, at the age of 69, on January 18, 2026, at Slidell Memorial Hospital.

Born on September, 22, 1956, at Baptist Hospital and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Kevin was a proud son of the city. He attended Holy Name of Jesus and graduated from De La Salle High School. After early years in the hospitality industry that took him across the United States, he ultimately found his true calling as an electrician. Kevin worked for decades with Frischhertz Electric Company and retired as a proud and dedicated member of IBEW Local 130.

No matter where work carried him, New Orleans was always home.

That was never more evident than when he met his soulmate, Barbara Denise "Nisa", whose own wanderlust brought her, like so many before her, to New Orleans. A blind date revealed two lives perfectly in sync - a harmony that endured for more than 30 years. Kevin was the steady "yin" to Nisa's passionate "yang" and her quiet anchor and constant support. Together, they raised their beautiful and talented daughter, Emma Jewel Deeves, for whom Kevin was a devoted and endlessly proud father.

Kevin's retirement years were filled with life's simple pleasures: tackling his ever-present "honey-do" list, fishing with his longtime best friends, Robert Berthold and Chris Hanna, streaming international detective series and films, and savoring the unmistakable music and food of New Orleans with his family and friends.

Kevin had a heart of gold and was always just a phone call away - ready to lend a hand, fix what was broken, or simply listen. He honored family traditions through small but meaningful gestures, most notably was his iconic Christmas batches of homemade Toll House cookies, lovingly baked each year for his father, Bill.

In recent years, Kevin and Nisa were embracing an exciting new chapter, having secured residency visas for Mexico and planning many adventures together. Though their journey was cut short, Kevin's quiet strength, steadfast love, and boundless curiosity remain his lasting legacy.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Rosalie Rau Deeves, and his sister, Margaret "Peggy" Deeves Reagan.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Denise "Nisa" Deeves; his cherished daughter, Emma Jewel Deeves (Nick Keller); his father, William H. Deeves; his sisters, Erin Deeves Bernard (Jeff) and Gretchen M. Deeves; his brother, William T. Deeves; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and beloved pets.

Kevin's steadiness will be felt in every quiet moment we miss him most. We will carry him forward in the stories we tell and the love he taught us.

Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com