STARK — Bob Defenbaugh, 84, of rural Stark passed away June 7 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. Born on Dec. 5, 1926 in Stark, he was the son of George Robert Defenbaugh and Pearle (Kelso) Defenbaugh. He graduated from Grant Township in 1944. On Jan. 2, 1945, he married Ula Wright in Stark. She survives. Bob was a lifelong farmer.

Mr. Defenbaugh served in the Army during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. He was a member of the Stark United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Robert Defenbaugh and wife Etta of Hoisington; a daughter Kathy Ford and husband Allen of Chanute; five grandchildren, Rodney Harding and wife Colleen of Olathe, Scott Ford and wife Melodi of Chanute, Jesse Defenbaugh of Hoisington, Christina Hoff and husband Matt, LaCrosse, and Jacob Defenbaugh of Anchorage, Alaska; three great-grandchildren, Marcus and Mia Drake and Kaitlyn Ford all of Chanute; and two sisters, Ferol Dillon of Chanute, and Avis Acton of LaPorte City, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Hazel Defenbaugh, Georgia Bowyer, Velma Huffman, and Frances Ruble; and two brothers, Herbert Defenbaugh and Fred Defenbaugh.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at the Stark United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorials in his name may be made to the Stark United Methodist Church or Faith House in Chanute and may be left with the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel*

101 N. Highland

Chanute, KS 66720

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 10, 2011