Obituary of Roy Alan Deffinbaugh

Roy Alan Deffinbaugh passed away on March 9th, 2016, at the age of 85. He was born in Shelton, WA on April 5th, 1930, to Lloyd and Mary (Fargher) Deffinbaugh. Roy grew up in Shelton. He met his future wife Phyllis in 8th grade and they both graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in 1947. He enjoyed music, scouting, hiking, playing basketball, and participating in youth activities at the Shelton Baptist Church. He learned to play trombone in 5th grade, the start of a lifelong passion. All who heard him play agreed he excelled. Upon graduation Roy went to Los Angeles to attend BIOLA where he earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree. From there, Roy married Phyllis on July 20, 1951. They moved to Seattle where he attended Seattle Pacific College, earning a B.A. with Honors in History which led to a 30 year career teaching and coaching in the Lake Washington School District. Roy had a special interest in helping young men, particularly if they seemed to be in need of encouragement and guidance. He touched the lives of many young people throughout the years. His favorite way to accomplish this would be to take them "out for a bean" which generally meant a meal or dessert and coffee mixed together with good conversation. Roy's special interest in youth was reflected in his involvement for many years in Young Life and Church youth groups. He was a fully committed Christian man who wanted others to experience a relationship with Christ. Roy loved to play golf, work out with weights, work hard on his Spencer Lake property and practice his trombone. Over the years he played in many musical groups such as the Seattle Philharmonic, American Legion Band, several trombone quartets, Calvary Temple Brass Choirs and Orchestras, was leader of the Revelation Brass Choir, and most recently he and Phyllis played for over 20 years in Shelton Nursing Homes with the Rhythm-Aires. Roy and family also attended many Sun Valley Jazz Festivals, International Trombone Festivals, and Seminars taught by renowned trombonist Joe Alessi. Roy was an avid student of theology his entire adult life. He always had several scholarly books by his reading chair. He was delighted to meet his current pastor at the local Missionary Alliance Church, Mark Sartori, who shared a similar enthusiasm and matching library. Roy was lucky enough to enjoy a long retirement at his Spencer Lake home with Phyllis. As we look back, the thing that stands out is his personal strength and enthusiasm for the activities he most enjoyed. His was a purpose driven life. He is survived by his wife Phyllis (Herzog) to whom he was married for 64 years, sister Marjorie Hunter, brother Dave Deffinbaugh and children Ron (Cindy), Jay and Kathy. Roy had two grandchildren, Skylar Deffinbaugh and Leilani Grobschmit (Adam), and 8 month old great-grandson Walter. He has many cousins, nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-law's who will all miss him too. We are grateful to the many family and friends who immediately reached out to us upon hearing of his passing. The family encourages you to visit McComb & Wagner's website and leave memories of experiences or adventures you may have enjoyed with Roy. Services will be held Tuesday, March 22nd, at 1pm at the First Baptist Church in Shelton, WA. Remembrances may be made to Young Life, Youth for Christ, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, Mt. View Alliance Church, or the charity of your choice.