David Vernon DeFor, 75

Published 8:44 am Friday, January 18, 2019

David Vernon DeFor, 75

Pastor David Vernon DeFor, 75, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, at his home in Austin.

David was born on July 28, 1943, in Austin to Vernon and Erna (Hansen) DeFor. He grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1961. David graduated from Minnesota Bible College in 1966. He received his master of divinity degree from Lincoln Christian College. To further his education, David studied at the North American Baptist Seminary, where he received his doctor of ministry. He pastored at many churches in the Midwest and taught for five years at Nebraska Christian College in Norfolk, Nebraska. On March 6, 1965, David married Donna Shaw in Bloomington, Minnesota. Together the couple had three children, Amy, Andrea and Tim. David was a minister for the Church of Christ in Austin. His greatest love was spending time with his entire family. He loved the Aviation Club, flying airplanes, golfing and woodworking. David was a world traveler who made friends everywhere he went. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and time reading books in his free time. Dave was a lifelong learner. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Donna DeFor of Austin; children, Amy (Ricky) Riley of Austin, Andrea (Troy) Justice of Pomona, New York, and Tim (Julie) DeFor of Norfolk; 14 grandchildren, Phillip Riley, Elijah Riley, Devin Riley, Montana Riley, Quinton Riley, Jaxon (Hannah) Justice, Isaiah Justice, Morgan Justice, Keriann (Collin) Heller, Marshall DeFor, Grant DeFor, Lauren DeFor, Jordan (Ivana) Hicks and Taylor Justice; three great-grandchildren, Madi Justice, Colton Pendleton and Ayven Hicks; sister, Cecelia (Andrew) Manoochehri of California; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Erna DeFor; and brother, Stephen DeFor.

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Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at Cornerstone Church in Austin with Pastor David Simerson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.