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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.
Memories and Condolences
for William DeFer
Mark and Patty Ballinger
November 14, 2025
We met Dave a few years ago at Cindy´s high school reunion. He was a good man. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Bill Lundeen
November 13, 2025
Dave´s wife, Cindy Lincoln Defer, led me to faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior when we were both in high school. In college I joined the Fiji house where her brother Craig had been a member. John Lincoln another brother and my brother Bob Lundeen joined, too. That´s where we all met Dave. Dave became my pledge father during "hell week" and wrote the cutest little ditty that I had to sing upon the demand of any active brother during that week. Dave´s sense of humor was so dry and so funny. As the years went by I got to meet their children especially Lincoln who came to DC to stay with mutual friends.
I was always been so impressed with "In and Up" the large residential hotel that Dave turned into a ministry for homeless and unemployed men in DC. A resident´s card to enter the compound would deactivate if a person left the compound and missed a resume class or Scripture class -he would have to explain what happened and make good in order to gain access. Indeed In And UP was so successful that the city found it was `competing´ with Inn And UP for the homeless population in that part of the city -which it then placed pressure against In And UP as its way of saying thanks. All that to say when Dave put his mind to a vision he had, he would persevere until, with the assistance of Jesus, it would happen. I will always miss you Dave and I look forward to you telling us what it was like to hear Him say to you "Well done my good and faithful servant."
Jim Washington
November 10, 2025
I remember Dave from U of A & fraternity events. We reconnected several years ago at our annual fraternal graduate dinner and I looked forward to seeing you and Cynthia each year since, at this reunion.
Cynthia, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Dave was a good person and a terrific family man. He will be missed.
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Sherry Paxton Bergmark
November 2, 2025
I remember David from elementary school at Cragin. One of the good guys! I know we went straight up thru high school together but ran in different crowds. Glad to see he had such a strong family legacy! Godspeed!
Frank Davis
October 30, 2025
Dear Cythia and family, I am saddened by the loss of your husband and father.
Being neighbors for sometime on Rio Verde Vist Dr., Tucson, David and all of you were such great amigos. God Bless All of you and David is certainly in God Kingdom. Your neighbor, Frank Davis , Florida
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.
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