Richard H. "Dick" Defenbaugh, a long-time resident of Lodi, passed away on January 21, 2009, at the age of 89 in Lodi. Mr. Defenbaugh was born in Redding, Iowa on December 12, 1919, to John and Lela (Seaton) Defenbaugh.
He served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 until 1946. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Teresa Kavanagh. They were married in Blackpool, England on September 2, 1945, and they settled in Lodi in 1947. Mr. Defenbaugh was a Rural Letter Carrier, working for the United States Post Office for thirty-two years, before retiring. He was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church and the Lodi Eagles. He was a CYO basketball coach for fifteen years, and he coached boys and girls baseball and softball for over twenty years. Mr. Defenbaugh was very active in the Senior Gleaners for many years, as well the Salvation Army. He spent many hours donating his time to the Salvation Army. He also enjoyed gardening, particularly tomatoes, a "farmer at heart." His greatest love was his family; he was very involved with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sports activities and lives. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather with a kind, loving and giving spirit. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Mr. Defenbaugh is survived by his three children, Leona Bishop of San Jose, Brenda (Roger) Nicholas of Lodi, Lyle (Mindy) Defenbaugh of Sacramento; twelve grandchildren, Sandra, Suzanne, Dan, Jeff, Kathleen, Tina, Katie, Becky, Jesse, Scott, Claire and Julia; five great-grandchildren, Megan, Robert, Ethan, Logen and McKenna; brother, Rex (Joyce) Defenbaugh of Lodi; sister, Jean (Jim) Schultz of Lodi.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Defenbaugh, May 6, 2008; daughter, Ann Moore, great-granddaughter, Samantha Bishop and sister, Marjorie Campbell.
Friends are invited to visit Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A chapel service will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Committal will immediately follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dick's name to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1388, Lodi, CA 95241.
A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared.
Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Jan. 24 to Feb. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Defenbaugh

11 Entries

Jeff Bishop

February 9, 2009

Love and miss you Pops!!!

Jeff, Amanda, and soon to be Alex.

Virgil & Dorothy Raggi

February 1, 2009

We want to express our deepest sympathy to the "Defenbaugh Family." Dick is now in the hands of the Lord.

jeffrey s aberle

January 28, 2009

sorry to hear of your dads passing. i can remember the st annes games at the pavallion dick was always there for all the games. being younger than all the kids i had brothers who went to school with lyle at st annes. dick was always there to help when it came to all kids. may he rest in the arms of his hevenly father. rest in peace.

Phil Lenser

January 27, 2009

I had the pleasure of knowing Dick and Teresa. They were fine people and always very pleasant to be with. Blessings to the family at this time of loss.

Laura Niclel

January 27, 2009

Dear Leona and Brinda: I am so sorry for your loss. I've loss both of my parents and know what you are going through.
I have Jury duty or else I would be there today.
Leona, I want you to know that you still have old friends that think about you and miss you. I'm here any time for you so please call.
With sincere love and sympathy; Laura (Fleener) NIckel 209-3690524

Beverly Kermgard

January 27, 2009

My husband and I were so sorry to read about your loss. My husband, Ed, worked with Dick at the Post Office for many years and I saw him at Mass on Saturday evenings. I will miss seeing him as he always gave me a smile and nod as he passed me on his way back to his seat from Communion.

John and Keith Connelly

January 25, 2009

Lyle family and friends:
What a loss of a wonderful friend.
Richard was the type of man that every one wants to be. My son Keith and I will always remember the wonderful trips to basketball games we made together.

Mike Ikemoto

January 25, 2009

Dear Brenda,

I was so sorry to hear about your recent lost. Please accept my sincerest expression of sympathy.

An old friend from your days at the Welfare Department.

Lynette Craven

January 25, 2009

Dear Brenda, Leona and Lyle,

I was very sad to hear of the passing of your dad, my "Uncle Dick". I have very fond memories of all the family times we spent together, christmases, birthdays and many others. Uncle Dick always had this twinkle in his eye and was quite the teaser (a chip off the old block - as I think back on how LaLa used to tease all of us kids). He was so good to visit my mom and dad when their health was failing for which I am very appreciative.

I am very sorry that I cannot physically be there for his services, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

May the Lord provide strength to each of you during this time of loss and may you find comfort in His promise of eternal life.

Sharlyn H

January 24, 2009

Scott and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God grant you peace and strength in the fond memories that you shared with your loved one.

Don Geiszler

January 24, 2009

Dear Leona,Lyle,and Brenda,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your dad.Your dad was one of the most decent men that I ever was associated with in my life.He will always hold a special place in my heart.

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