Jefferson J. DeFord, age 67, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at 4:46 pm on Thursday January 27, 2022 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Jeff was born on January 28, 1954 in Monmouth, Illinois and is the son of Robert Donald and Lois Pearl Senders DeFord. Jefferson attended local schools and Monmouth High School from which he graduated with the class of 1972. Jefferson served his country both the Army and the Navy. Jeff married Sheila Ann Duke in 1972 in Monmouth, Illinois. Jefferson worked numerous employments locally to include at Maytag Manufacturing, Farmland, and Farm King. He loved to go fishing and hunting. He also loved to throw darts and did so often at the ” Woodshed “. He is a member of the J.W. Clendenin Post 2301 Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and was an avid sports fan and loved football. He also was known to be a “big time” storyteller. Jeff is survived by his daughter Dana DeFord of Peoria Heights, Illinois and his grandson, Keegan DeFord of Peoria, Illinois. There are four sisters, Marjorie Woods of Lewistown, IL; Roberta VanSkike and Everitt of Smyrna, TN; Esther Murphy of Hollister, MO; and Connie Sue Barber and Diane of Little Rock, AR; two brothers, Ronald DeFord of Monmouth, IL; and Tim DeFord and Maick Vetos of Chicago, IL. A host of aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews are also surviving. He is preceded in his death by his parents and one brother, Joe.
Cremation is being accorded Jeff, and a Celebration of his Life and Military Honors is being planned by his family on Saturday February 5, 2022 beginning at 1:00 pm. at the Marion B. Fletcher Post 136 of the American Legion. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth is in charge of Jefferson’s care locally. A memorial fund is being established for his family. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
