THE ST. AUGUSTINE RECORD
St. Augustine, Florida
Sunday, January 19, 2014



Kenneth F. DeFord, Sr., 97, of Hastings, passed away peacefully surrounded by his famiy on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, at his residence. He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., and has been a resident of Hastings for the past 82 years coming from Flagler County.

He was a graduate of Hastings High School. He owned and operated the former DeFord and Son Service Station in Hastings which was founded by his father in 1937. He was a life member and the oldest member of the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge 183 of Hastings.

In his earlier years he enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle and his motor home. He had been to Alaska twice on his motorcycle and once in his motor home. He also enjoyed flying his airplane. He was a good man who loved family and was a friend to many people.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary DeFord; three brothers, Harold DeFord, Raymond DeFord and Leo DeFord; and three sisters, Charlotte Johnson, Mary DeFord and Helen Badger.

Survivors include two sons and two daughters-in-law, Frank and Gail Moore of St Augustine and Kenny and Vernieca DeFord of Hastings; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Rose Mary and David Allen of Belleview, Fla., and Cindy and Tommy Kronz of Hastings; one sister, Phyllis Henkle of San Mateo; many grandchildren and grest-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from  to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Masters Funeral Home of Palatka at 11 a.m. on Wednesday with Pastor Margaret “Peggy” Henkle officiating. Masonic rites will be bestowed at the funeral home by the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge 183 of Hastings. Burial will follow in Palatka Memorial Gardens.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge 183, P.O. Box 333, Hastings, FL 32145.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.