John Reagan Deacon
August 30, 1931 – February 13, 2022
John Reagan Deacon, 90, of Montpelier, VA passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 13, 2022. He was born August 30, 1931, in Covington, VA to Claude Bryan Deacon and Sarah Jane Duling. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Claude William. John is survived by his brother, Charles Duling Deacon; his bride and “the love of his life” for 68 years, Colene Yopp; his daughters, Janice Walton (HH), Linda Lupien (Pete); his grandchildren, Stephanie Lombardo (Tony), Jonathan Lupien; his great-grandchildren, Alice and Elizabeth Lombardo; his ever faithful sister-in-law, Eunice Tolley; as well as his many loving and supportive nieces and nephews. John graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1953 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following 2 years of duty in the Army, he began his professional career in 1955 with Frigidaire in Dayton, OH. John and Colene moved to Richmond in 1961 where he continued designing HVAC systems while working for Wiley and Wilson; Don Strange-Boston and the State of VA. He enjoyed the challenges presented in his many projects. His motto was, “No short cuts!” John’s sense of civic pride and his desire to “give back” to his community was fulfilled in various leadership positions at Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church and Hopeful Baptist Church. He was an active member in The Lions, Ruritans, and Gideon International. One of his favorite events was assisting contestants in Miss Wheelchair Virginia. John enjoyed photography, hunting and gardening as hobbies. His presence here will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 19, 2022, with visitation one hour prior, at Hopeful Baptist Church, 14340 Hopeful Church Rd., Montpelier, VA 23192. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Gideons International, PO Box 763, Glen Allen VA, 23060.
Working with John on projects for a number of years was a distinct pleasure. May God bless your soul.
Colene,
Sorry to hear of John passing. We grew up together in Covington. John was 10 months older than me. I lived on Fudge Street and John lived on Alleghany Ave at the top of Fudge St. Fudge St. was divided and had like a park in the middle. We use to play baseball and football there. When snow was on the ground we use to sleigh ride down Fudge St.
We kind of lost touch until he came to my sister’s funeral who lived in Chesterfield and I use to be in the Rockville Ruitan club, which John attended some. Mary and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and to Charlie.
Jacob Homer & Mary Hattan, Jr , Rockville, VA
My God bless his family at this time .
What a Blessed time with family ,The minister was. So kind and had such great thing to say about John and how he served the Lord ,by heiplg in the church ,and His daughter Linda ,I can not say enough great things about her and her love she had for her dad
I worked with John when he was in the public sector and a fellow BCOM employee. I enjoyed working with him. He was a not only a true professional, but he was also true gentleman. Please accept my sincere condolences to his family.