Russell Jay Deifer

Russell Jay Deifer, 92, of St. Charles, MO passed away to be reunited with his beloved wife, Barbara, on Friday, September 22, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Joseph and Helen Ruth (nee Petty) Deifer and his beloved wife of 68 years, Barbara. Russell is survived by his children, John (Sue) Deifer and Laurie (Tom) McKenna; and granddaughter, Mindee (Leo) Polson; great granddaughter, Maxie Polson; dear brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor, and many life-long friends.

Russell served as a Merchant Marine in the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. He was a fun-loving man who was sometimes a prankster and loved to make everyone laugh. He made his living as a sheet metal worker for SMART Local 36. When he wasn’t working he was busy with his family and friends. He was active in his son John's Boy Scout Troop. He doted on his daughter Laurie, calling her his little "Duchess". Russell loved to go hunting and fishing and instilled the love of the outdoors in his children.

After Russell retired, they travelled extensively, including trips to Europe, Hawaii, and many cruises. They also became "snow birds", spending the winters in St. Petersburg, Florida. Eventually they moved there permanently where they spent pleasant winters, long walks on the beach, listened to big bands, and met many new friends there as well. He also became a big supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. His humor, love, and boisterous zest for life will be missed but we know there are good times now that he has rejoined the love of his life!

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Cletus Catholic Church in St. Charles on Wednesday, October 4 at 10am. Memorials are appreciated to St. Louis Society for the Blind & Visually Impaired, 8770 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63144. Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.alexanderstlouis.com.