David Lee Daffern

Early Sunday, March 3, 2024, David Lee Daffern, aged 67, peacefully left us to be with his Lord. He was born to Raymon and Loretta Daffern, on the first day of August 1956 in Pico Rivera, California.
Friends and family are invited to David's Life Celebration 10:00 AM Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Centralia.
David is survived by his wife Lynne Daffern, his mother Loretta Galbraith, sons David Aaron and Joshua Phillip, two daughters-in-law, 8 grandchildren, brother William "Larry", step-sisters, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.
In 1977, David married Lynne Angela Jackson and they enjoyed 47 years of a very special marriage. David and Lynne were best friends and enjoyed doing everything together. They were blessed with twin sons, Aaron and Joshua, two wonderful daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren. David's sons and their families always brought so much joy to him. He was so proud of them all and would brag about them to anyone he could get to listen. David had one of those big personalities that people loved to be around.
David enjoyed being outdoors. He loved skiing, tennis, baseball, volleyball, hiking, and exploring. He also loved to read, study, and teach others. He was always the first to step up and volunteer or help others in any way he could. David loved to laugh and joke. He loved to sing and always had a big smile for everyone.
David was a lifetime learner. He earned his Bachelors of Business as Cal State Fullerton, and his Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Theology from Golden Gate Theological Seminary. He also served on the Board of Directors for New Orleans Theological Seminary. He was always involved in his local church and community ministries.
At the age of 28, David left the business world and followed his calling to become a pastor. His life mission statement was "to become more like Jesus Christ every day and to help those around him to do the same." He lived out his mission to the very end and finished it well. David had a heart for missions and went on many mission trips to share the gospel. He taught and preached in Hawaii, Mexico and Africa and developed a very missional focus in all the churches he pastored. He was blessed to be called "Pastor David" as he led churches in California, Arizona, Michigan and as Hospice Chaplain in Northern Virginia.