Michael L. “Mike” Deane, of Butler, Ohio, was born on September 16, 1955 in West Point, New York to Gale and Laura Mae (Lint) Deane.
Mike graduated from Loudonville High School in 1974 and, shortly after graduation, proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country until 1977, attaining the rank of Senior Airman.
After returning home, Mike set sights on Jennifer Campbell, whom he had known through church and his close friendship with her brother, Tim. Mike had earned a reputation as the ornery kid at church especially during choir practices and performances. This prompted a few warnings from Jennifer’s mother and choir leader, Helen, about his mischievous ways. Fortunately, Jennifer saw something special in him, and what began as a childhood connection grew into a lifelong love and friendship. Mike and Jennifer were married on August 5, 1978, at Community Bible Baptist Church in Mansfield, Ohio.
Throughout his life, Mike was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to providing for his family. He worked for Hydro-Matic Pumps in Ashland, Ohio, until its closure and later joined Gorman-Rupp in Mansfield, where he remained until his retirement in 2020. Never one to shy away from hard work, Mike often worked multiple jobs to ensure his family had everything they needed. He was a devoted husband and father who believed in taking care of those he loved, no matter what it took.
Mike had a strong knowledge of the Holy Bible and enjoyed discussing and debating its details. He especially loved these conversations with his mother-in-law, Helen, and their spirited exchanges reflected both his deep faith and his ornery sense of humor.
Outside of work, Mike had a passion for amateur radio and was an avid ham radio operator, making friendships and connections with people around the world. He also had a deep appreciation for gospel quartet music starting out as a bass singer with the Campbell Family Quartet and other groups throughout the years. His family will fondly remember hearing him sing the bass part of his favorite gospel songs, especially during family gatherings.
Mike also really enjoyed playing chess and card games with his son, Josh and his grandkids. He was a hard one to beat and often would be playing into the late hours giving anyone a great challenge. He was unbeatable at chess and will remain unbeaten in our family today.
Above all else, Mike’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Together, he and Jennifer built a life centered around their four children, and his love for them was evident in the countless sacrifices he made throughout the years. He was a hardworking provider and husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather who treasured the generations that followed him.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Deane of Butler; their four children, Jodie (Travis) Dugan of Apple Valley, Angie (Reid) Peterson of Bellville, Darla (Tim) Schirf of Granville, and Joshua Deane of Butler; and his sister, Sharon (Robert) Harned of Spring City, Tennessee and a wonderful extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Riley (Taylor), Ryan, Rhett, and Ashley Peterson; Brendan and Jacob Schirf; and Haley Dugan. Mike was additionally blessed with two great-grandchildren, Eliana and Ryker Peterson, who brought another generation of joy to his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Laura Mae Deane, and his in-laws, Clare and L. Helen Campbell.
Mike’s legacy is one of hard work, devotion, faith, and family. He will be remembered for his love of music, his friendships that reached across the airwaves, his ornery and fun spirit, his deep knowledge of the Holy Bible, and, most importantly, the love and dedication he gave to his family.
A service honoring Mike’s life and faith will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, October 30, 2026 in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Steve Burggraf officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 am, Friday until the time of Mike’s funeral service. Private burial with military honors will be held in Bellville Cemetery.
To share a fond memory with the family or to leave a condolence please visit Mike’s obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com