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Joseph Deffner Obituary
1968-2017
Joe Deffner, 49, a resident of The Woodlands, Texas, was tragically taken from us on Tuesday, November 7th as a result of an automobile accident. He was a man full of fun and life, a sharp quick wit and a beautiful mind. A devoted and loving husband and father, Joe will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Joseph Michael Deffner was born in New Orleans and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Joe graduated with high honors from: Jesuit High School in New Orleans; LSU (B.S. Finance); and The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University (MBA). Joe enjoyed playing the trumpet in the school band at both Jesuit and LSU.
In addition to his sharp intellect, Joe's ability to connect on a personal basis with every person he met served him well in his business career. At the time of his death, Joe was a Managing Director of the Houston office of HPS Investment Partners, where he started in 2013. Previously, Joe was a Director within Citi Global Commodities, Executive Director at UBS, consultant at Amaranth, and a Managing Director in the Global Finance Unit at Enron Corp. Joe was highly respected and regarded as a leader in his field.
Joe's business success garnered him the opportunity to give back to LSU by becoming an invited member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the LSU Business School. As a member of the Krewe of Babylon, Joe was thrilled to ride in his first Mardi Gras parade this year.
Joe's first experience with The Boy Scouts of America was as a member of Saint Edward the Confessor Church Cub Scout Pack 496 in Metairie Louisiana. Since Joe's three sons all joined Cub Scouts and became Boy Scouts, Joe was an active adult scout for many years. He last served as Scoutmaster for Troop 204. As a result of his time on High Adventure trips with his sons, Joe planned to hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish.
Joe is survived by his wife, Lisa Bills, and his three sons, Justin (fiancée Erika), Brett, and Jackson Deffner. He is also survived by his parents, Mary and Joseph Deffner; sister, Cheryl Deffner Calkins; niece and nephews, Maia, Liam, and Aidan Calkins; mother-in-law, Donna Bills; and brothers-in-law, John and Eric Bills. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hilda and James Nolan, Allen E. Deffner, Sr. and Gertrude Miller. He is also survived by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.
You are invited to join us Tuesday, November 14th at St. Simon & Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 for a Vigil from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 15th, at St. Simon & Jude. Welcoming will start at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Joe's honor.
To leave a tribute or message for the family, please visit josephjearthman.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Deffner
Stephen Douglas
November 14, 2017
Joe will be deeply missed. I recall with fondness his dry wit and sharp mind and his uncanny ability to cut through complexity with ease. I cannot fathom the depth of your sorrow and pray that God eases the pain of his loss.
Justin Angeles
November 14, 2017
Joe was a true friend, from the day I met him. Though our interactions were not frequent in the recent past, I never lost touch with my friend. His death is a blow to so many. I hope his family and friends can take comfort in all the good he accomplished in a life cut short..
Abigail Cooper-hansen
November 13, 2017
News of Joe's death brings immense sadness to me- a fellow Fuqua classmate. Joe was a gentleman in the truest sense. Quiet, wry, full of such wise patience. We often shared a shared thought- and shared humour- No words, just a twinkle of his eye and a slight smile told me I think so too! That was the communication I needed to get me through the tough drudge of finance or accounting or other dry business school class. His success in both business and family life are testimony also to his mountain of personal values by which he lived and by which I held him in great quiet awe. It was a privilege to have known him. Sincerely, Abigail Cooper-Hansen
Jen & Brian Moss
November 13, 2017
Lisa and family, Brian and I were so sorry to hear about Joe's death. Brian really enjoyed working with Joe and we both looked forward to being with you and Joe on the V&E retreats. Please know you and your boys are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Jen & Brian Moss
Sheri and Anil Raj
November 12, 2017
Dear Deffner Family: Please accept our heartfelt condolences at your loss. We cannot fathom the depth of your grief at Joe's sudden departure, and pray for peace for his loved ones. As a member of the Knights of Babylon, we will feel his loss. Sheri and Anil Raj, New Orleans
Yvonne Balderas
November 12, 2017
Dear Mary & Joe,
My heart aches for you both. Love & prayers.
Yvonne & Joe Balderas
Jeff Picone
November 11, 2017
Rest In Peace cousin Joe. Your life was full of adventure and you were an inspiring guy. May you give heaven a run for its money! Your family is in my prayers.
Always loved seeing you and your family.
You will be missed dearly.
Tommy Nolan
November 11, 2017
Dear Mary and Joe - Betsy and I send our heartfelt condolences on the death of your beloved son. May God strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.
Sandra Deffner
November 11, 2017
Dear Mary & Joe, Lisa, Justin, Brett and Jackson, My heart is saddened by the untimely death of my nephew Joey, your son, husband and sons. I remember when he was born, and aware of his exemplary schooling with honors. He truly lived an honorable and accomplished life. May God bless you all with comfort. Love, Aunt Sandra
Eliot Javanmardi
November 10, 2017
A brilliant and wonderful man, mentor, and a dear friend. There will never be anyone like Joe. I cherish the years I was able to work alongside him and recognize nothing will ever be the same without him. His contagious smile and easy going attitude will always remain in my mind. My heart breaks for his family and all of those impacted. Gone but never forgotten, may he Rest In Peace.
George & Lisa Serice
November 10, 2017
Our prayers are with Lisa and the family. What a tragic loss of a great friend and business colleague. I couldn't help but smile when I was fortunate enough to meet with Joe. I would many times be treated to a Scout trip story or his latest predictions about his LSU Tiger football team. Joe, you will be missed.
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