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Jon Reese DeFrehn Sr., 80
1937-2017
Jon Reese DeFrehn Sr. passed away suddenly Friday, June 9, 2017, at his home in Hayden, Idaho. Jon was born on April 15, 1937, in Sunbury, Pa., to John Edward DeFrehn and Anna Mae (Bollinger) DeFrehn.
Jon spent his childhood growing up in Sunbury and later graduating from North-umberland High School in 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1955 at the age of 18. In 1956, he joined the regular Army. During his distinguished military career some of his assignments led him abroad to Korea, Germany, Austria and Lebanon. He served in Vietnam where he trained the Royal Thai Army, as well as Cambodians.
Jon was stationed at the following assignments: Ft. Campbell, Ky.; Ft. Devens, Mass., with the 10th Special Forces Group; Provo, Utah, where he was a ROTC instructor at Brigham Young University; Ft. Bragg, N.C., with the 7th Special Forces Group; and Ft. Lewis, Wash., with the 1st Special Forces Group. He was a Jump Instructor with countless confirmed jumps, which came from his passion for skydiving, which he often did in his off duty time. His military career was his life. Jon retired from the U.S. Army in 1988 after serving our country for 33 years.
Jon married Betty Sasser in 1964. They had two daughters, Desiree and Mardel; and one son, Jon Jr. Jon and Betty later divorced.
With his retired military parents living in Dalton Gardens since the late ’60s, he always knew upon his retirement he would settle in the area. During this chapter of his life Jon enjoyed having classic cars, traveling, and spending time with family and the outdoors. He enjoyed his morning social meet ups with friends over breakfast.
Jon is survived by his children, Desiree (Scott) Crump, Mardel Thomas and Jon (Nicole) DeFrehn; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Jon’s family would like to express their gratitude to his many friends and neighbors who supported him in so many ways over the years.
The family is choosing to have a private service. No public service has been planned.