Gerald E. Deffenbaugh

Reverend Gerald E. Deffenbaugh, 88, of Friedens, was received into the arms of his Lord, on March 13, 2018 at In Touch Hospice House. Born January 4, 1930, in Johnstown, he is the son of the late G. Edward and Rosella (Thomas) Deffenbaugh. Also preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, sons Wayne and David, sister Dolly Hoffman and brothers Harry and Donald.  He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Miller) Deffenbaugh, son Larry, daughters Marie (Wayne) Erbe and Shelby (Roger) McCoy both of Friedens, sister  Dorothy Coughenour of Johnstown, brothers-in-law Gary (Kathy) Miller and Donald (Dorothy) Miller and daughter-in-law Nancy Deffenbaugh.  Also 13 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was  a member of the Geiger Church of the Brethren where he had pastored for over 40 years. He was a counselor for Camp Harmony, Chaplin at Somerset Hospital, where the chapel was named after him. He was Church of the Brethren District Moderator 2 times, Bible Teacher for the 3 year reading course, now the Susquehanna Valley Ministry, where he taught with his good friend, the late Harry Bassett. Church of the Brethren District Board Member and Chair of Commission,  Church of the Brethren District Minister pastor replacement and served on the Standing Committee- annual conferences. He was a Evangelist for many congregations. He pastored at Center, Fairview, Pike Run  and Tire Hill Churches. He was local church moderator for Center, Rayman and Somerset Church of the Brethren  and was on the new church development for Cranberry Church of the Brethren in Cranberry Twp named Good Samaritan. His greatest joy was when he helped someone to accept Jesus as their Savior.  He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and squirrels, gardening and Jigsaw Puzzles,  He also had been a School Bus Driver and worked in the Steel Mills. The family gives a special thanks to In Touch Hospice for their compassion and kindness and to Mrs. Wheeler for providing such a lovely facility. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 4-6 pm Thursday in  the Geiger Church of the Brethren where a services will immediately follow with Reverends John and Linda Stoner officiating. Interment in Maple Spring Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Geiger Church of The Brethren,185 Culligan Rd. Friedens, PA 15541. Condolences may be made at www.halversonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements under the direction of the Robert H. Halverson Funeral Home.

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