Steven Ellsworth Defenbaugh

March 23, 1948 - July 19, 2025

Lee's Summit, Missouri - Retired Yellow Transportation senior vice president Steven E. Defenbaugh passed away in Lee's Summit, Missouri on July 19, 2025, following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Brush, Colorado March 23, 1948 to Elmer E. and Helen Defenbaugh. His family moved to Southern California in 1951 returning back to Brush 1961-1965 where he attended Central School and Brush High School. He was active in 4-H, and eventually became the 4-H president for Morgan County. During this time he loved to visit his grandfather, A.K. Fender's, horse ranch in nearby Akron, where he learned to care for and ride horses, and began his love for sketching and drawing with his grandfather.

Mr. Defenbaugh moved back to Southern California with his parents in 1965, graduating from Ramona High School in Riverside in 1966. He attended Riverside City College and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University.

He spent 38 years of dedicated service with Yellow Transportation, a Fortune 500 company. He joined the company at an entry level linehaul dispatcher position in Barstow, California, being progressively promoted to positions of increasing responsibility in New Mexico, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Georgia, and eventually promoted to Yellow Transportation headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas. At the time of his retirement in 2007, he was senior vice president of new business development and strategy. Following retirement from Yellow Transportation, he served as senior advisor for Florida-based Blue Grace Logistics.

Mr. Defenbaugh was an avid golfer and participated in numerous golf tournaments. He was also an accomplished artist with paintings being featured in Leawood and other Kansas galleries and numerous art shows. The majority of his art was by commission, represented in 20 states, Canada and Greece. He generously donated works of art to support various charities. Mr. Defenbaugh wanted to support his hometown and over the years purchased and donated cattle to various young people in the Akron 4-H programs and also established a financial scholarship at Brush High School for a graduating student.

Mr. Defenbaugh was preceded in death by his father; and wife, Tess Edsinga Defenbaugh whom he married in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1969. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Mullen Defenbaugh, Lee's Summit, Missouri; daughters from his first marriage, Cherie Curtis (Scott), Overland Park, Kansas, and Dencia Golfinopoulos (Dimitri), Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren, Trevor Defenbaugh, Overland Park, Kansas; Trenton Defenbaugh (Anna), Springfield, Missouri; Alexandra Golfinopoulos and Steven Golfinopoulos, both of Leawood, Kansas; mother, Helen Defenbaugh, Reno, Nevada; sister, Jackie Frady (Steve), Reno, Nevada; nephew, Michael Frady (Dominique), Reno, Nevada.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Jul. 24 to Jul. 27, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Defenbaugh

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21 Entries

Tim Johnson

August 11, 2025

I was part of Steve's team at Yellow Freight and had the opportunity to get to know him personally and professionally. He was a true leader and an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace Steve, prayers to the Defenbaugh family.

Eric Chambers

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Eric Chambers

August 3, 2025

Steve was a mentor to many including myself. We worked together for several years at Yellow and he became a good friend. He was a fantastic person in many ways and we all learned from him who were close. Gonna miss you Amigo.

Sharon Evans

July 31, 2025

Steve was a dedicated employee and friend during my employment with Yellow. He was a team player and a man of integrity, vision, caring, and beloved family man and father. He was so kind and insightful to hire my son at the Kansas City terminal of Yellow. Mark is still in the transportation industry . My prayers are with the family he loved so much.
Sharon Evans

Mark Evans

July 31, 2025

To the Defenbaugh Family:

In today´s world, many claim the title of "leader," yet their words and actions often fall short of what true leadership demands. Titles can be granted, but character, communication, and integrity are what truly define a leader. In my experience, Steven Defenbaugh embodied all of these qualities with remarkable consistency.

I will always be deeply grateful to Steven for hiring me fresh out of college to work in Dispatch at the Yellow DC across from the stadiums. That single opportunity became the catalyst for a rewarding 39-year career in transportation and logistics. Today, I am a Partner in a 3PL Warehousing and Logistics company operating in both Canada and the United States-an achievement that traces directly back to Steven´s belief in me when I had no prior experience.

My mother, Sharon Evans, also worked for Yellow for many years, beginning with the Powells at the Stateline Road office. She worked for and alongside remarkable individuals such as Stephen, Jess Dow, Bill Mercer, O.J. Simpson, Rick Brenneman, Bob Bostick, and Jim Huber. Yellow was more than a company in the era when these fine people worked; it was a place filled with people of integrity, and Steven was one of the best among them.

To this day, whenever I´m in a position to hire, I think of Steven-the man who gave me my first chance. His example continues to influence how I recognize potential in others and give them the same opportunity to thrive. I´ve been privileged to serve this industry and raise a family while doing so, and Steven´s role in that journey will never be forgotten.

To the Defenbaugh family, you are blessed to have had a man of such courage, character, and care at the head of your family. May the many memories you hold bring you comfort during this time of profound loss.

With deepest sympathy and prayers,
Mark Evans
Edmonton, AB Canada/ Overland Park, KS

Teresa & Roger Wagar

July 29, 2025

Sending our deepest condolences to you Cindy and Steve´s family. Steve was a sweet man who will be missed by many. Cindy, keep your memories close and we pray one day soon they will bring you joy and no more tears.
God Bless and hugs to you

Sharon & Dennis Hanson

July 29, 2025

Our sympathy to you Cindy, and all of Steve´s family.
We missed you both this past season at Montesa in AZ - every time we went past your house we´d look to see if you were there, had no idea Steve was ill, always wondered where you were.
I´m so very sorry for your loss
Sharon & Dennis Hanson from Montesa

Steve Thebeau

July 29, 2025

It was a privilege and honor to be part of Steve´s team at Yellow. He was a mentor, motivator and great leader. My thoughts and prayers to the family. My family is very appreciative of the opportunities and support that Steve gave me during my time at Yellow. Great memories of Mr. D

The Harvey Benedict Family

July 28, 2025

We share in your sorrow and remember Steve with a kind heart.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
May memories always comfort you.

Kent Wade

July 27, 2025

Worked with Steve at Yellow and was lucky enough to play golf with him a couple of times as his guest. Absolutely the finest host! Still have the hat he bought me.

Always thought of Steve as an all around good person.

My sympathy to you all.

Mike and Gail Lester

July 27, 2025

Sonny, like my dad use to say when a friend was leaving, "see you on down that old dusty road". My love and prayers to my Pedley mom, Helen and little sister Jackie. God bless the Defenbaugh family

Paula and Roger Henry

July 27, 2025

So very sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fond memories of times spent with your mom and dad.God bless

Lynn Keenum

July 27, 2025

So sad to hear of Steve´s passing. Truly a great man. One of a kind. The smile in the photo was always present. God bless all the family.

J D (Churns) Van Curen

July 26, 2025

My deepest sympathy to your family. I enjoyed working at Yellow and knowing Steve. May you Rest In Peace.

Mike Morrison

July 26, 2025

Grew up with Sonny. When we were kids his name was Elmer Ellsworth Defenbaugh. He went by Sonny. Was a terrific and close friend. Had the coolest car and motorcycle. I bought his motorcycle. If I remember right it was a Honda 305. We had some amazing adventures. Will never forget our Tijuana experience. It was Sonny, myself, Mike Lester and Junior Gomez. Somewhere in one of my shoeboxes there's picture of us all together at the Long Bar.
I think Bret Johnson was there also. Sonny became a tremendous success in life. I am so proud of him. Pedley boy done good!! We were the original Pedley boys, and had a growing up to be envied. He is at peace and in joy with our Lord. Shall miss him.

Steve Gilmore

July 26, 2025

I worked for Steve at Yellow. Steve was a great man and leader!! Prayers for Steve´s family.

Cheryl Pieper

July 25, 2025

Many fond memories working with Steve at Yellow! He had an impact on helping to shape my career. Sending hug and prayers to his family.

Bill & Kathy Schwar

Sent Flowers

Bill Schwar

July 25, 2025

Shocked and saddened to hear about Steve. He approved my hire at Yellow Freight following my interview with him in Los Angeles in 1983. With Steve´s support, I worked for him directly as Division Director-Sales, Vp-Exhibit. I got to know him well and played a few rounds of golf with him, along with other fun outings. He has a beautiful family, and I´m sure will be missed by all. Thanks for all of your support and all the good times along the way. RIP my friend.

Steve Shinners

July 25, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Steve was one of the classiest gentlemen I had the please to work with at Yellow. Condolences to his family Steve Shinners, Properties.

David J. Valdez

July 25, 2025

We are all going to miss you Steve, GOD BLESS you and your family.
May you Rest in Peace my good friend.

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