Birth date: Apr 26, 1968 Death date: Nov 7, 2017
Joe Deffner, 49, a resident of The Woodlands, Texas, was tragically taken from us on Tuesday, November 7th as a result of an automobile accident. He was a man full of fun and life, a sharp quick wit and a beautiful mind. A devoted Read Obituary
Bill & Leona Malone lit a candle
Jaime Gualy lit a candlePlease accept my condolences and may the Lord comfort you during this time. I'm fortunate and thankful to call him a friend.
The Floris Family lit a candleA Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Joe certainly led by example and we are fortunate that Scouting brought him into our lives. He was a remarkable human being, whose kind heart and soft manner left an indelible mark on our family. Our heartfelt condolences to the Deffner and Bills families.
Luisa, Vinio, Daniel and David Floris
Tricia Carrigee Hales lit a candleRIP Joey my thoughts and prayers are with your family
Ying Liu lit a candleJoe, I am immensely saddened by the loss of you, a good boss and mentor, an ultimate Finance professional, a friend who was always willing and ready to offer help, and most importantly, a person who effected far-reaching impact on my career and personal life. I first met you in 1999 when you interviewed me for the Analyst & Associate program at Enron's Super Saturday event. You were an extremely successful young executive, Managing Director at Enron North America's Finance group. Out of all interviewers, you were outstandingly sharp but nice and I felt I connected especially well with you. When I joined Enron and was assigned by HR to a business group that was soon to be eliminated (later I came to know that HR applied a "reverse order" based on the interview results to give higher-ranked new-hires lower priorities in first rotation assignments), I was desperate for help, and came up with just enough courage to give you a call out of the blue. To my surprise, you invited me to go to your office right away, and just sat there and made several phone calls for me, until you found an ideal rotation for me at ENA's Generation Investments group. After doing a good job in my first rotation, I got the opportunity to work in your group, a highly esteemed business unit at Enron and a hotly sought-after opportunity for MBAs, for my second rotation. I had the pleasure and honor of working with you and being mentored by you for 8 months, always impressed by your intelligence and effectiveness, and most importantly, your kindness, fairness and your meritocracy-based respect for talents. When the Enron bankruptcy happened, as a Chinese citizen without a green card back then, I would have had to leave the United States if I were to lose my job. As the head of the group, you decided to retain me so that I didn't lose my visa status, until I received another job offer. I have always been extremely grateful for you - you had no other reason to favor me but your warm-heartedness, your appreciation for talent and good work ethic, and your willingness to help someone in need. After many years, when I returned to Houston in 2009, I had a catch-up lunch with you and looking back, I am very happy that I told you face-to-face about the tremendous benefit you had brought to my career and personal life. I clearly remember your smile then - somewhat surprised, bashful and uneasy, and so unassuming as always. That smile will live in my mind for ever. The last time I met you was more than a year ago, when you, Lisa and I had lunch at the Morton's restaurant in downtown. I gave the two of you a flower basket hand-made from beads by my mother. Oh Joe, how I wish we could re-live that relaxed and happy moment, just one more time!
As a person born and raised in the atheist China, I am not even familiar with the Christian vocabulary to pay tribute to you. But I wish you could hear these words in heaven. Your life was as heavy as a mountain to my world, and your leaving has left a big void in my heart that I don't think could ever be filled. Rest in peace Joe, you are and will always be painfully missed! Ying
Dan Vogel lit a candleJoe,
You were a great friend and business partner. I always enjoyed getting together for lunch or essential business diligence outings such as halibut fishing in Alaska. I'm so happy I was able to spend time with you and Lisa. You will be missed my friend.
-Dan
Bob Boswell lit a candleMy deepest condolences and sympathies to Joe's family. Joe was a true professional who made many friends throughout his career. I particularly enjoyed working with Joe who was always straight forward, a great problem solver, and whose integrity was beyond reproach. Joe will be missed by many.
Jim Piccone lit a candleJoe always lit the room up and made meetings fun. Here is a candle in memory of his wit and joyous personality.
Joseph Deffner lit a candleYour birth brought perfect joy into our lives. Your loss has left an emptiness in our hearts that will be with us always. We love you.
Mom & Dad
Cheryl Deffner Calkins lit a candleYou had a brilliant mind, an adventurous spirit, a generous heart, and a kind soul. I cherish every memory that we have ever shared. You will always be my Joey. I love you and will miss you my dear sweet brother.
