Mark Allen Deerwester

Mark Allen Deerwester, age 74, of Kenton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 2025, at 11:46 AM, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Cancer did not win this fight — Mark lived out his final days exactly how he wished, on his terms.

Born on April 11, 1951, in Kenton, Ohio, Mark was a 1969 graduate of Kenton Senior High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucille Deerwester; and his sisters, Sondra Bell, Brenda Holden, and Mona Ramge. He is survived by his sister, Kris (George) Harp.

A devoted father and family man, Mark is survived by his wife, Debbie (Haviland) Deerwester, his children Marcus Deerwester, Marci Deerwester, Heather (Kylie) Rogers, Holly (Gabriel) Meister, and Ryan (Hillary) Houston. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren — Bailee Phillips, Alleigh Maxwell, Kaelyn Rettig, Kymber Smith, Oaklee Kelly, Bella Bower, Abigail Meister, Grace Meister, Isaac Meister, Kaleb Houston, Ava Houston, Nora Houston, and Kace Rogers — all of whom lovingly called him “Papa.”

Mark spent many decades as a respected tradesman in his community. He owned Deerwester Plumbing for many years before selling to Timmerman’s and continuing to work for them. He later worked for Dan King Plumbing and Heating as a plumber, and most recently for Belfor Property Restoration as a safety coordinator. Mark’s craftsmanship, work ethic, and helping-hand spirit left a lasting impact on countless homes and families in the Kenton area.

On June 3, 2000, Mark married Debbie Haviland at their farm — beginning 25 years of companionship, partnership, and deep love. He was Debbies "alpha gentleman," and together they shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and adventure. Upon retiring, they made the decision to move to Flagler Beach, Florida in June 2022, where they enjoyed three wonderful years of paradise together before returning home.

Known for his passion for relic hunting, fishing, boating, hunting, motorcycles, and his dogs in which he adored, Mark embraced life outdoors and the simple joys of a day well spent. He was a handyman, a farmhand, an American patriot, a loyal friend, and above all — a man whose greatest pride was his family.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held after the New Year with details to be announced.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Universal Hospice, St. Jude’s’s, or Tunnel to Towers.

To those he loved, Mark often ended every goodbye with a line that now holds a deeper meaning:

“See ya later, love ya, bye.”