John Raphael Deere of Sparta

John Raphael Deere, 68, of Sparta, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at the Coulterville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

He was born on June 11, 1952 in Goreville, Illinois.

John enjoyed going to car shows and watching westerns on television. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. In his younger days you would often find John fishing, but in the past few years you would find him at his window watching the birds on his four feeders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raphael and Sadie (Jenkins) Deere; two brothers, Udell Deere and Alvin Deere; and two sisters, Lavonna Vinson and Mary Eggemeyer.

John is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (Finley) Deere of Sparta, whom he married on March 20, 1981; three stepchildren, Herbert "Ed" (Michelle) Heinen of Waterloo, Illinois, Christine Heinen of Sparta and Ralph Heinen of Sparta; three step-grandchildren, Rebecca, Remy and Edward Heinen; one brother, Frank (Juanita) Deere of Mattoon, Illinois; one sister, Kathy (Carl) Lindsey of Carbondale, Illinois; and other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.

Private funeral services for the family will be held on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, Illinois.

Committal services will be held at Hill Prairie Cemetery in Sparta.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta is in charge of arrangements.