Harvey Hugh DeFord

Harvey Hugh DeFord, 85, Altus, passed away at his home Monday, May 7, 2012. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Pastor S. K. Robinson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. Harvey Hugh DeFord was born on April 11, 1926 to Arthur H. and Mattie Elizabeth (Pearce) DeFord in Durant, OK. He attended school at Duke and Prairie Hill. Harvey served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He received numerous medals including the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), World War II Victory Medal, and two overseas service bars. He married Dorothy Bryant on October 11, 1947 in Vernon, Texas. To this union, five children were born. He was a line inspector for Caterpillar Tractor Company In Peoria, Illinois from 1950 until his retirement in1980. He was of the Baptist faith. He loved to go fishing and hunting, enjoyed gardening, and was an animal lover. Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Imogene, Frances and Pauline, and three brothers, Billy, Delbert and Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of the home; one daughter, Sharon Dienst and husband, Rod, of Toulon, IL; four sons, H. Dale DeFord and his wife, Suzy, of Florida, Wesley DeFord and his wife, Chris, of Michigan, David DeFord and Russell DeFord, both of Altus, OK; two brothers, Houston DeFord and wife, Mollie, of Austin, TX, and Buddy DeFord and wife, Carolyn, of Amarillo, TX; a sister-in-law Sally Harrell and husband Clyde of Altus, OK; two brothers-in-law, Rick Bryant and wife Ann of Altus, OK; Doyle Bryant and wife Simy of Las Vegas, NV; five grandchildren, Keith, Rick, Anthony, Kenneth and Wesley; and one great-granddaughter, Alexandria. The DeFord family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the funeral home.