David Deer

On January 27, 2023 we had to say goodbye to our beloved John David Deer at 70 years young. Dave lived a large majority of his life in Indianapolis, graduating from North Central High School in 1971. He attended Butler University where his happiest moments included being a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and meeting his wife at a fraternity party that turned into a life-long relationship of 50 years – married for 45. He graduated from Butler with a business degree in 1975 and has been an avid Bulldog since. Dave’s remarkable career included management with Wendy’s, Cardinal Communications, Dial One, and Comcast. His proudest time was working at Ascension Health for 18 years before retiring in 2014 where he was a championing partner in the launch of the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and other pivotal programs in greater Indianapolis. Dave was an accomplished guitarist and enjoyed playing with various bands his whole adult life including a headliner performance at the Vogue here in Indianapolis. He had an extensive guitar collection and enjoyed rehabbing guitars in his retirement. He loved his collection of Beatles memorabilia and his large vintage rock album library where you could always count on him to be able to identify the song and artist from any 60’s or 70’s tune. Dave loved coaching his kids’ sports teams and was exceptionally proud of their accomplishments as they became adults. Dave took great joy in many things during his life a few of which are; a prime rib end cut from Victoria Station, a fabulous guitar riff, time with friends in his music room and last but not least, Butler basketball (Go Dawgs!) Dave’s life was filled with love alongside his friends and family, parents Gerald F. and Katherine D. Deer and sister, Susan E. Buydos (Deer). He is survived by his wife Elisa, his children, Aaron and Alice and loving Howey, Buydos and Hodgen families across Indiana and Connecticut. Dave led a beautiful life and we will miss him every moment of every day. Dave will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 16 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at White River Yacht Club, 1400 E. 74th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Memorial contributions can be made in Dave’s memory to the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership (ARPO) at adoptarpo.org.