Arthur Lee Deffenbaugh, 93, of Bowling Green, Ohio and formerly of Rudolph, Ohio passed away October 24, 2025. He was born July 23, 1932 in Defiance, Ohio to the late Clarence and Luella (Foss) Deffenbaugh. He married Sally Mercer on December 29, 1950 and she survives.
Lee was a 1950 graduate of Liberty High School. He retired from American Metal Craft after 42 years. Through the years, he shared his faith and love of the outdoors as a Boy Scout Master, youth fellowship leader and Little League Baseball coach. He was a skilled woodworker, enjoyed spending time gardening and was a member of the National Gourd Society. He was an avid BGSU Falcon men’s and women’s basketball fan and he and Sally held season tickets for over 40 years. He was a member of South Liberty United Methodist Church in Rudolph.
Along with his wife of 75 years, Lee is survived by his children Lynn Burket of Lewis Center, Ohio, Ronald (Amy) Deffenbaugh of Northglenn, Colorado, Kathy Lerch of Bowling Green, Ohio and Craig Deffenbaugh of Wayne, Ohio, sisters Velma Greene and Eileen Smith, grandchildren Jonathan Deffenbaugh, Christina Deffenbaugh, Jared (Colleen) Lerch, Nathan (Sara) Lerch, Melissa (Bill) Calpin, Curtis (Kristen Allen) Deffenbaugh, Erin (Corey) Walentowski and Shawna Gallagher as well as great-grandchildren Adelina, Cooper, Lucy, Elijah, Elle, Ethan, Hayden, Isabella, Jude and Isaiah.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill Gallagher, and grandchildren Michael Burket, Alex Burket and Dustin Deffenbaugh.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday October 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. Interment will follow at Wingston Cemetery in Rudolph, Ohio.
The family would like to express gratitude to Brookdale Senior Living for their thoughtful care.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to Bridge Home Health & Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio 45840.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
