John H. Deines

John H. Deines

Horseheads, NY

Passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. John was born May 20,1956 in Houston, TX, son of the late Hilmere J. and Norma Ruden Deines.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his in-laws, Robert H. Lewis Sr. and Carol Lewis.

John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Karen Lewis Deines; son, John S. Deines (Ella), and daughter, Juliet C. Deines (Zachary); siblings: Mary Jane (Gerry) Morris, Susan Deines, Liz Deines-Salisbury (Greg Schafer), Ruth (Lee) Heitmann, and Laurie Deines; in-laws, Robert H. (Christine) Lewis Jr., and Beth Meehan (John Benedict); nieces and nephews: Erica (Dan), Jerry (Aneasha), Roderick (Heather), Amanda (Krys), Jacob (Jessica), Tyler (Alexis), James (Reilly), Kyle (Sophie), Denison, Melissa, Luke, Joshua (Trinity); great-nieces and nephews, Jameson, Blakeley, Emma, Judah, Livia, Camden, Jackson, Quinn, Isaiah, Avery, Levi and Carter and several extended family members.

John retired after 28 years from Family Services of Chemung County as a psychiatrist. He treated and cared for many patients in the area, through office visits, jail, prison, the courts, and most recently through telepsychiatry. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and fairness, exhibiting the highest of ethical standards throughout his professional life. In his personal life, he was a true adventurer at heart, enjoying skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and hiking. He loved nature and climbed five fourteeners and frequented many state and national parks. As a young man, he would take off each summer hitchhiking across the USA exploring many states. He and Karen loved to travel and especially loved to see new places and was always happy entering "new territory;" heaven will be his next "new territory." John was an intellectual throughout his life with a deep passion for theoretical physics, space and all things science. He had many personal interests, but his greatest passion was being there for his family. He celebrated every birthday, anniversary, milestone and attended nearly every sporting and school event. He adored watching his daughter's many performances of dance, cheer, music and theater. With his son, he loved going on road trips and many adventures exploring cities sharing many laughs along the way. Each night he loved nothing more than sitting down and watching one of his favorite shows or classic movies with his beloved wife.

The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St. at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 11-1PM with John's Funeral Service to follow. He will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery privately.