Final Salute

DEFIANCE – Wilfred David Temple, 82, of Defiance peacefully passed away with his family by his side on Monday morning, March 13, 2023, at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born on March 6, 1941, to the late Wilfred and Dorothy (Colley) Temple in Antwerp, Ohio. On September 8, 1995, he married Mary (Druhot) Temple who preceded him in death on February 13, 2021. Mary was the best traveling companion over the years. They traveled all over the continental United States and Alaska sightseeing and visiting children and grandchildren.

David proudly served our country as a Navy Seabee from 1958-78. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and was a life member of VFW Post 3360. He worked as a stationary engineer at General Motors for over 28 years until his retirement in 2006. He loved spending time with his family, his Harley-Davidson, cycling and hiking. David was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will be sadly missed by his family and many good friends.

David is survived by his children, David (Stacie) Temple of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Liz (Russ) Keel of Defiance, Deanna Frederick of Wauseon and Jennifer (Matt) Pfeffer of Fairfield, Ohio, and his step-children, David Brown III of Warterloo, Indiana, Patrick Brown (Sarah Monroe) of Seattle, Washington, Elizabeth (Mike) Miller of Sherwood and Danielle (Bill) Farrell of Juneau, Alaska. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way, his brothers, Ronnie Temple, William (Peg) Temple and Lawrence (Judy) Temple, and his sisters, Shirley Boyle and Catherine (Marvin) Conrad.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Wiswell.

Visitation will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Father Jason D’Souza officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military honors conducted by Defiance VFW Post 3360.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Hospice or St. Mary