Paul Alan Deffenbaugh's Obituary
Peacefully, and with the love of his wife, daughter, and son-in-law surrounding him, Paul Alan Deffenbaugh passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 76.
Paul was born in Columbus Grove, Ohio, and graduated from Columbus Grove High
School. He spent his life dedicated to teaching, family, and community. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Bowling Green State University, where he was also a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduation, Paul devoted 35 years of his career to Fremont City Schools, where he taught Industrial Arts and Computer Science, and coached football. He was a passionate educator, respected colleague, and steadfast advocate for students and teachers alike-serving as president of the Fremont Education Association and as chief negotiator for several years.
In 1971, Paul married the love of his life, Penelope "Penny" Stewart Deffenbaugh. Their 53-year marriage was full of laughter, deep friendship, and adventure. Their love story was one of quiet strength and deep loyalty. Paul was a proud and devoted father to his daughter, Stacey Zoe Meyer, and considered her his greatest joy. He celebrated her every accomplishment-from ballet recitals and cheerleading competitions to her successful television career, which he followed faithfully across the miles.
Paul's hands were rarely still-he was an avid woodworker who built the family home in Fremont, Ohio, and took pride in his yard, especially the lovingly created "Buckeye Boulevard" in the backyard. He was a lifelong fan of Ohio State football, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Guardians. After retiring from teaching, Paul took great pride in helping Penny with her family's business-Stewart's Department Store in Columbus Grove. He also found happiness in cooking, traveling, exploring new recipes and restaurants, and soaking up the sun as a snowbird in Estero, Florida, where he and Penny made dear friends and cherished their days by the pool.
He was a proud and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in both Bonita Springs and Fremont, and gave generously of his time through organizations like the Lions Club, Elks, and United Way, where he once served as president of the Sandusky County chapter. He also held leadership roles as zone chairman of the Lions Club in Northwest Ohio and was a longtime member of the NEA and OEA.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Margaret Deffenbaugh, and his brothers, William Deffenbaugh and Milton Deffenbaugh. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in the hearts of his wife, Penny; daughter Stacey and son-in-law Keith Meyer; sister-in-law Darlene Deffenbaugh; nephews Brian, Mark, and Darren Deffenbaugh; and many dear friends and extended family.
Private services for family and close friends will be held at Riley Creek Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held in Fremont later this summer, where stories will be shared, memories celebrated, and the life of a kind and steady man will be remembered with the joy he brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or a charitable organization of your choice, in honor of Paul's generous spirit and lifelong dedication to others.
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