Elton (Archie) L. Defenbaugh was born Sunday, September 13, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio .
he died Friday, February 11, 2022. his recorded age was 90.
he was a veteran of the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War.
parents Helen and Grover Defenbaugh, Niece Susan Taylor.
Born September 13, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio, Elton was a Sergeant in the
United States Marine Corp. His early jobs included working at the Sohio
Station at Morse and High. Elton grew up in Clintonville and is a proud
Polar Bear graduate from Columbus North High School.
Survived by sisters, Joy (Gary Gardner) Grove City, Ohio, Sue (Tom
Dickson), Colorado, sons, Jerry (Joan), Allan (Kimberly), Grandchildren
Caleb Joseph, Jacob Allan (Eileen), Casey Ann. Also survived by great
grandchildren Ellianna Renee, Nathanial Tremmel and Quentin Josiah,
Zoey Ann, Raya Marie. All of Columbus Ohio.
Nieces and Nephews Jason and Yulia Defenbaugh, Columbus, Kristy
(Doug Reed) Grove City, Heidi (Travis Burbridge) Grove City, Neil and
Melissa Gardner, Dean and Erica Gardner, Jodi Gardner, Bonnie (Nick
Smith) Columbus, Deanna (Joe Marshall) Grove City, Connie Johnson
Columbus, Linda (Dave VanPelt) Columbus.
Great Nieces and Nephews Caroline (Wes Shults), Erin, Monica, Danielle,
Clifford, Annsley, Graham, Brent, Noah, Ruby.
Elton retired from Battelle Memorial Institute. He was an electronics
technician and worked in the Electronic Lab. Part of his career at Battelle
was maintaining their security system. He loved anything to do with
engines, steam engines, motors and electronics.
We called him Elton, Archie, Uncle Elton, Dad, Grandpa and Gramps. He
knew how to take things apart and put them back together. If he didn’t know
how to do something, he learned it on his own. Some say he was a
collector. Others would disagree. If you needed help, he was there with
every tool needed for the job.
Steam Engine shows were a favorite event to do with his brother Ray.
Elton met the love of his life way back in the early 50’s. His best friend,
Bob, had a girlfriend with a younger sister named Wanda Lee. He and
Wanda were married over 60 years. Since the day Wanda passed, Elton
has wanted to be with her again. God bless his sweet soul. May he rest in
peace.
During the most recent 11 months, Elton lived at Glenwood Memory Care in
Dublin, Ohio. He was loved by many and they have wonderful memories to
share of Elton singing with them, doing activities and crafts, but most of all
he was safe, well fed and care for. We appreciate the quality of care he
received. Prior to moving to Glenwood, Allan and Jerry took care of Elton
as his dementia progressed. He had the love of family and dear friends
who all cared about his well being. Joyce and Joe Schneider, Loretta Platt,
neighbors Jesse and Alana Smith and many dear friends cared about
Elton. Many have passed on through the years and it gives us all great joy
to know he is reunited with so many loved ones and friends from his past.