John P. Defler
April 4, 1955 ~ September 8, 2025
John P. Defler, 70, formerly of the Hope/Hartsville area, passed away on September 8, 2025 at Seymour Crossing Nursing Home after a long illness.
The youngest child of the late Ernest L and Nora M Despain Defler, John was an Army Brat. He was born in Harrisburg, PA on April 4, 1955 where the family was stationed at the time. His father’s Army career took the family to live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kansas, and Japan. Upon his father's retirement from the US Army, the family resettled in the Hope/Hartsville area to be near relatives. John attended Hauser High School, graduating in 1972.
As an adult, John was the Adult Protective Services Officer for Bartholomew and four surrounding counties for 35 years. He was especially proud of his role in the development of the program during its infancy. He was affectionately known and respected for his concern, compassion, and assistance to the elderly and disabled by Healthcare and Social Services organizations throughout the five counties he covered.
Although John had no biological children, he longed for a loving family. In later life, he was united in marriage to his cherished wife, Brenda Sharp. John formed the instant family he always wanted with Brenda and her four children. He was never happier than during the 25 years he shared with Brenda, her children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife, Brenda, Columbus, IN; sister Kathy (George “Bud”) Parks, Las Vegas, NV; niece Diana Parks, Las Vegas, NV; nephew Aaron (Angela) Parks, Harrisonburg, VA; and numerous cousins in surrounding counties.
John’s immediate family extends a special thanks to Denise Jones, John’s stepdaughter, for her kindness and assistance during his long illness.
John has chosen cremation with Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, Columbus, IN.
A memorial service will be held in the future for family and friends.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Prayers for peace for family. I worked with John in the past and he was a true professional. He served our community with compassion, kindness and firmness when needed. He always answered the call when needed and those calls were usually for very difficult situations. He will be missed.
I was a friend to John and Brenda, was there for there wedding and close to her children. I’m sorry to hear of Johns passing, and enjoyed visiting him and Brenda.
May he rest in peace on the arms of Jesus, no more pain or suffering.
I met John when I worked for ResCare. He would host a Christmas party every year and give gifts to the individuals that were within Rescare and DSI. Him and his wife were truly phenomenal in the acts of kindness during holidays and any other time it was needed. Rest easy John. Your love and kindness to others will be greatly missed! Prayers to his wife Brenda and his stepchildren.
John was a great help to me during my work at Jennings Community Hospital. He was much appreciated. RIP John.
My heartfelt sympathy to Brenda and the family. I worked closely with John on many many cases over 20+ years while I was a case manager and continued to seek his advice later on. A wonderful friend, his kindness and compassion to others was outstanding. So many wonderful memories which I will be eternally grateful for. Enjoy the beauty my “partner in crime”. you will be missed. May Jesus hold the family close in peace and comfort.
I worked with John at EAS in the early ‘80s. He was a great guy, always had a wonderful attitude and was good to work with. I would run into him in town years later and he always knew me. He took a lot of pride in his work. Hugs and prayers for Brenda and his family.
I had great respect for John working with him several times. I remember one particular case I worked on when he told me, “I have that case on my desk right now, but with you on it, I’ll consider it closed. Just don’t be afraid to call if you need any help.” That really meant a lot to me coming from him!
🕊️️ Rest in peace, John. 🕊️️ The testimonials about your compassion and caring heart for others – both at work and in the community – serve to reinforce my recollection of you as a caring, friendly individual. God be with your family as they feel the full weight of your passing.
I remember John as a man that always had a smile on his all the time.I was able to assist him one Christmas when he would bring all the people he helped to a chapel and feed them and provide a Santa Claus who brought them gifts.These people would smile the biggest smiles when he entered the room.He would get them there with walkers,wheel chairs and even in hospital beds.He always went over the top for the people he cared for.Now in his last days I had the joy of visiting him in the nursing home.I would I would take our mutual friend(and classmate) Jim Howard with me and we would cut up and laugh over old stories and memories and tell a few jokes.We had a good time.For all the health problems John endured he was always a blessing to his fellow man.Loved you John and always will.Until we meet again brother.Love you.❤️
I remember John laughing and being joyful almost every time I met with him. He was a champion for the undervalued Hoosiers in our State. I will miss those days. “Go rest high on that mountain. Son, your work on earth is done…”