LIFE REFLECTIONS

AS WE REFLECT………..WE REMEMBER

Terrence A. Deffebaugh, was born on October 20, 1962 to Leroy and Velma Deffebaugh in Oklahoma City, OK.  He was the eighth of 9 children. He attended DuBois Grade School, Muskogee High School, William Penn University and ITT Technical Institute where he obtained a degree in Construction Management.

Terry met Sonja Baer his long-time friend, caregiver and mother of 3 of his children Zachary, Ezekial and Elijah in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to their meeting, Terry became the proud father of his daughter Dore and his son Aaron whom he loved dearly.

While growing up in a Christian and God fearing home Terry a true comedian at heart was a jokester, prankster and loved entertaining his family and friends rather it was singing, playing his guitar or breakdancing, as a child he had the mindset that anything and everything that he did or attempted to do he was going to do it his way, sometimes being hard headed and stubborn got him in trouble and the rod of correction from his Mom and Big Sister Linda. Terry's older brothers were a vital part of his upbringing, spending time with and teaching him life skills such as hanging drywall, working on his own vehicle, or whatever he thought he needed to learn or know, he knew he had a listening ear with his big brothers, Terry also enjoyed listening to music from artists such as Al Green and imitating Michael Jackson, break dancing and spinning on his head. Terry was a free-spirited, intelligent, talented carpenter, one of his proudest construction projects was the Jordan Creek Mall, he would tell everybody and anybody, "Terry Deffebaugh built Jordan Creek Mall as though he built it all by himself." Later in life Terry enjoyed spending time and hanging out with his boys taking them to the park and various activities. If at anytime someone needed help Terry was always available to lend a helping hand and at many times opening his home to friends who needed a place to stay. A friend quoted "Terry was a great role model, an awesome friend and never gave up on me, Terry was always kind" his adventures included living in Oklahoma, moving with his Big Brother Kent to Los Angeles, California, Portland, Oregon, Chicago, Illinois and finally settling in Des Moines, Iowa for the past 30 years. Through the ups and downs of life's challenges and failing health Terry kept a positive mindset and Faith in God. To know Terry was to LOVE Terry.

Those who preceded him in death, Mother Velma Huffman, Father Leroy Deffebaugh, Brother Charles Deffebaugh and Sister LoJuanna [Bootsie] Samuels.

Terry leaves to celebrate his life and legacy, his five children; daughter; Dore Deffebaugh-Goletto [Larry]  Dallas, TX, sons; Aaron Fowler [Alexandra] Muskogee, OK, Zachary Deffebaugh, Ezekial Deffebaugh, Elijah Deffebaugh all from Des Moines, Iowa. Grandson; Jasper Goletto of Dallas, TX

Brothers; Clifford Deffebaugh [Miriam] Muskogee, OK, Leroy Deffebaugh [Bobbie] Denver, CO, James [Alvatina] Chicago IL,  Tommy Deffebaugh [Dorothy] Blythville AR, nephew/brother Reginald Deffebaugh [Cynthia] Denver, CO.

Sisters; Linda Cooper Dallas, TX.  Arethia Huffman Dallas, TX, Special niece; Sabrina Deffebaugh Dallas TX, Sonja Baer longtime friend, caregiver and mother of 3 of his children, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, special friends; Charles Edward, Willie Gene of Muskogee, OK, many special  friends in Des Moines, IA.

There will be a memorial planned in Des Moines in the near future date is to be determined.

The Celebration of Life is scheduled, Monday, July 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 600 E. Okmulgee Street, Muskogee, OK. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee