Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William David DeFer III
1955 - 2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
William DeFer Obituary
David is survived by this loving wife of 47 years, Cynthia Lincoln DeFer, by his children, William David DeFer, IV, (wife Melissa), Lincoln DeFer, Kaylee DeFer Fitzpatrick (husband Michael), and by his brother, Mark Lynn DeFer (wife Stephanie). David was blessed with five grandsons which are: Willam David DeFer, V (Liam), Bennett DeFer, Theodore Fitzpatrick, Sebastian Fitzpatrick , and Remy Fitzpatrick , not to mention nine nieces and nephews.
David was a graduate of Catalina High School, where he excelled as a swimmer and member of the debate team and of the University of Arizona where he majored in Speech and Communications with a minor in Labor and Economics. He was a member of the Traditions Men's Club and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
David began his career building customs home and apartments in Tucson and the Phoenix area. He created and founded a uniquely successful non-profit, low-cost housing facility in Tucson called, "INN and UP". Because of his love of nautical and historical fiction, David created and operated Serenas del Mar, a one-of-a-kind non-profit program that integrated English and Marine Biology which required students to live aboard "Leona June" for two weeks in San Diego. He delighted helping men get started in business ventures in Kenya and traveling to Thailand to help with a church.
David enjoyed making memories doing science experiments and hanging out in San Diego with his five grandsons whom they called "Mo". He will be sorely missed but we all know we will see him again.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Desert Christian Schools or Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.
A celebration of life will take place at Catalina Foothills Church on November 15 at 10 a.m. Address: 2150 E. Orange Grove Rd. Tucson, AZ 85718. Reception following.
Memorial Events
for William DeFer
Memories and Condolences
for William DeFer
1 Entry
Suzanne Jameson
October 28, 2025
David, we were students of Fawn Johnson at Catalina High School in the mid 70s. We were in Forensics together. Godspeed, bud. You are part of universe now and will be forever.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in William DeFer's name
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William DeFer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
