Harold 'Hal' Defenbaugh

Harold L. Hal Defenbaugh, age 84, of Danville, passed away at 4:00 pm on Friday, May 30, 2008 at North Logan Health Care in Danville. He was born August 13, 1923 in Peoria, IL, the son of Robert T. and Flora R. (Whipple) Defenbaugh. He married Evelyn F. Johnson of Peoria at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. on December 12, 1944. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2006 after 61 years of marriage. Hal is survived by one daughter: Linda L. (James) Carey; two sons: Steven R. (Sherry) and Scott W. (Gail) Defenbaugh; five grandchildren: Angela S. (Denny) Burchfield, Matthew S. Defenbaugh, Megan E. (Wes) Schmitt, Nicole R. (Lance) Wolfe, Chad J. Defenbaugh, and two great grandchildren: Lee Anne Burchfield, Luke Allan Burchfield all of the Danville area. He was preceded in death by his parents and one older brother. Hal graduated from El Reno High School in El Reno, OK in May 1941, and immediately enlisted in the Navy. After serving two years as a Naval Aviation Radio Operator, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Training Program, graduating with his commission and wings in December 1944. He received an Honorable Discharge as a LT. JG in December 1945. After leaving the Navy Hal went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone Company in Peoria, retiring in February 1978 after 31 and a half years. After a short retirement, he went back to work as a Specialty Advertising Sales Representative for the Vernon Company until illness forced his second retirement in 2003. Hal was an avid golfer, hunter, gardener, and civic volunteer, as well as being active in the Danville First Presbyterian Church. He was an Ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Synod of Illinois. He was an organizer and Past President of the Danville Citizens School Committee, a past director, budget committee member, and 1971 General Campaign Chairman of the Danville United Way. Hal was a board member of the Piankeshaw Council, Boy Scouts of America, board member of the Danville YMCA, a past board member of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce; serving as president From 1971 to 1973. Hal was a member of the Vermilion County Conservation District Foundation, the Vermilion County War Museum Society, Danville Elks Lodge No. 332, and the Rotary Club of Danville No. 188 where he was a member from 1965 to January 2003, when he resigned for health reasons. He served as Rotary President in 1968 and 1969, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.