Ralph Emerson Deffenbaugh
Ralph Emerson Deffenbaugh, 90, of Mount Lebanon, Pa., and formerly of Uniontown, died, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 3 a.m.,… Ralph Emerson Deffenbaugh, 90, of Mount Lebanon, Pa., and formerly of Uniontown, died, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 3 a.m., in Asbury Heights, Mount Lebanon, Pa.
Ralph was the loving husband of Virginia Ann (Tuttle) Deffenbaugh for 61 years, who survives him, originally of Waynesburg, Pa., and who now resides at Asbury Villas.
He was born February 4, 1918, in Old Frame, Pa., the son of the late Emerson Henderson Deffenbaugh and Jane Mary Crow Deffenbaugh of Old Frame, Pa., the sixth generation of Deffenbaugh’s in Fayette County.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Clinton Crow Deffenbaugh and sisters, Margaret Moore Morgan, and Dorothy Jane Berry.
Ralph graduated from Georges Township High School with the class of 1935, and Waynesburg College with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry in 1948.
Following graduation, he enlisted and served with the United States Army as a Captain in World War II, then as a Major in Japan, for the Korean War.
Ralph established a home in Uniontown, and worked 26 years as an engineer at Rockwell International. He earned his Professional Engineering and Surveying License in 1967, after long hours of studying and found satisfaction in surveying numerous properties around the area.
He enjoyed taking family vacations, fishing, camping, hunting, and woodworking. He could fix anything. He was a long-time member of Wesley Class at Calvary United Methodist Church of Uniontown and confessed the Lord Jesus as his Savior.
He was a life member of the Valley Lodge 459, F.&A.M., Masontown.
Ralph was a devoted father to and will be deeply missed by his children: Jane Ann Bedinger of South Worth, Wash.; Charles Emerson Deffenbaugh of Newport News, Va.; John Moore Deffenbaugh of State College, Pa.; Ralph Thomas Deffenbaugh of Mt. Lebanon Pa.; and Sarah Mittelman of Upper St. Clair, Pa. He was the proud grandfather to Miles, Odessa and Laurel; Brian, Michael and Nathan; Alyssa and Haley; and Jonathan, Jessica, Anna, Bethany, and Amanda; and great-grandfather to Cassian. He is also survived by brother, David Lewellen Deffenbaugh and wife, Eleanor (Bixler) of Claremore, Okla..
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown, Pa. where the family will receive friends Friday, May 9, 2008, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 9 until 10 a.m., followed by a service celebrating his life at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Neal Rogers officiating.
Interment will follow in Church Hill Cemetery, McClellandtown, Pa. Uniontown VFW Post 47 will accord Military Rites at the cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations be made in Ralph’s name to Calvary United Methodist Church, 34 Clark Street, Uniontown, PA 15401.
Memorial emails may be sent to the family at memorials@adferguson.com.
Valley Lodge # 459 F.&A.M. will hold Masonic Services on Friday at 7:30 p.m.