Dale Jefferson “Buck” DeFord, 83, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.
Buck was born August 16, 1941, in Bernadotte, IL, the son of James Jefferson and Mary (Jennings) DeFord. He was raised and educated in the Cameron area and attended Galesburg High School.
Buck married Judith Howell on August 31, 1960, in Roseville, IL, and she survives.
Buck worked for Darol Davies at TJ Davies & Son in Monmouth for 17 years before going out on his own opening DeFord Auto Electric which he owned and operated with his son, Tony, for 35 years until his retirement. He enjoyed working, going fishing, trips to the casino with his wife, spending time with his family, and going to Cottage Corner every morning for coffee with friends.
Survivors include his wife, Judy DeFord of Monmouth, IL; his son, Tony (Shelly) DeFord of Monmouth, IL; his grandchildren, Jason (Samantha) DeFord of Edwards, IL and Airyell (Greg) Gladfelter of Monmouth, IL; his great grandchildren, Ryder, Hudson, Xavier, Claire and Evelyn. Also surviving is his sister, Betty DeFord of Kirkwood, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons, Richard Lee DeFord, Gregory Allen DeFord; four brothers, Walter DeFord, Carl DeFord, Clarence DeFord, Robert DeFord; 4 sisters, Louise Smith, Beatrice Davis, Virginia Deakon, and Shirley Tracy.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be prior to the service from noon-1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, IL. Memorials may be given to Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WAIR) and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.