John Barrett Deeney

John Barrett Deeney, age 92, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on November 22, 2024, at his residence at St. John’s United in Billings, Montana.

Born in Billings on October 25, 1932, John was the second son of George (Judd) and Eva Mae Deeney. He spent his early years on the family ranch, five miles east of Reed Point, Montana, before the family moved into town when he began school. John attended elementary and high school in Reed Point, then pursued studies at Eastern Montana College in Billings for two years.

In 1953, John answered the call to serve his country, volunteering for the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Stationed in Germany, he contributed as part of the occupation forces and played on the Army basketball team, participating in goodwill games across Europe. Returning to Montana in 1955, John reconnected with LaVonne Vye, and the two were married in 1956. He completed an associate degree in business and a bachelor’s degree in business education soon after.

John began his career in education as a teacher in Richey, Montana. Two years later, he and LaVonne moved to Livingston, where he continued teaching and coaching multiple sports. During this time, John earned a master’s degree in school administration from Montana State College and was soon invited back to Richey Public Schools as superintendent. It was there that he and LaVonne welcomed their two sons, Craig and Jay, born 13 months apart.

In 1964, John accepted the position of superintendent of schools in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, where he served for five years. Seeking further growth, John and his family moved to Bozeman, where he pursued a doctorate in school administration at Montana State University, graduating in 1971. He joined MSU's staff as an administrator in Institutional Research and an Associate Professor of Education.

In 1977, John became Assistant Superintendent for Business for the Billings Public Schools, a role he held with dedication. His service extended beyond the schools, as he contributed to the Board of Directors of Rimrock Foundation and worked with the advisory committee for Young Life.

After 30 years of service in Montana’s public schools, John retired but remained active in the community. He worked as a consultant for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, assisted in managing Beartooth Mountain Christian Ranch, and served on the board of CareNet and a member of the Gideons. John also dedicated time to the Billings School Board. In retirement, John and LaVonne traveled on mission trips to Haiti and visited the Holy Land in Israel.

John was a man of deep faith, devoted to his church, Faith Evangelical in Billings, and steadfast in his love for his family and community. Known for his integrity and unwavering sense of right, he often reflected on the wonders of God’s grace.

Among his greatest joys were spending time at the family cabin on the Yellowstone River, drifting down the river with friends, and making memories with his children and grandchildren through fishing trips, four-wheeling adventures, and time on the ranch.

John is survived by his beloved wife, LaVonne; his sons, Craig (Valerie) of Bozeman, MT, and Jay (Lana) of Billings, MT; and his five grandchildren, Joshua (Summer) of Anchorage, AK; Hannah of Anchorage, AK; Elgin of Bozeman, MT; Levi (Haley) of Fort Collins, CO; and Logan (Maggie) of Orlando, FL; as well as four great-grandchildren, William, Isla, Ellis, and Josie. He is also survived by his younger brother, Thomas, of Port Angeles, WA, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, George Deeney; and his grandson, Taylor Judson Deeney.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Faith Evangelical Church in Billings, MT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Beartooth Mountain Christian Ranch, Lavie Health (laviebillings.org), or the Gideons.