John Jackson Blackie Deffenbaugh passed away suddenly December 18, 2008 at Life Care Center in Kennewick after a brief stay. Dad was born February 13, 1920 on a 480-acre farm outside of Eldon, Missouri, to Reece Filmore Deffenbaugh and Anna Luceta Deffenbaugh Hoff. Dad attended Eldon High School and Central High in Kansas City Missouri where he graduated in 1938. Dad participated on the track team where he pole-vaulted 12 feet with a 6' bamboo pole and ran the mile race - barefooted. Dad started his working career selling Life Insurance in Kansas City where he won an award for the top producer in his first year in the business. However, the lure of $1.25 per hour - convinced him to become an Ironworker Apprentice in 1941. Uncle Sam called on Dad in 1943 and he joined the Navy where he served on LST-908 as a Second Class Gunner's Mate. His job was to protect the ship with a 40 Caliber Machine Gun, and that he did - running out of ammunition on several occasions. Dad earned 1 Star in the Philippine Liberation, 7 Stars in the Asiatic-Pacific, and a Victory Medal in the American Area. After WWII, Dad went back to Ironworking and he worked in Kansas City, Hawaii, and California, before settling in Richland, Washington. On a trip back to Eldon, Dad met Anna Mae Vernon and they were married in 1950. Mom and Dad celebrated their 58 years of marriage last August. Dad retired in 1982 after a 41-year career in Ironworking that saw him help erect Grand Coulee, Rocky Reach, Ice Harbor, McNary, and Little Goose. Dams, among the several projects he worked on. After retiring from the Ironworkers, Dad started John's Lawnmower Repair and he spent the last 26 years meeting new people and repairing all kinds of various small engines. John was preceded in death by his parents Reece and Anna, his sister Ida, and his step-father, William OT Bill Graham. Dad is survived by his wife Anne of Kennewick, Sister Kathleen Worden of Phoenix, Bertie Reece Manley of Independence, son Michael Danielle of Richland, Patrick of New York, Anna Don Haines of Kennewick, and John Marcia of Kennewick. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Amanda, Derrick, John Olin, Anthony, Megan, Monique, Jesse and Abby. Dad's presence and his World War II and Ironworker stories will be greatly missed. Dad can now go see all his old Ironworker buddies who have passed before him.