Fairbury – Paul DeFries, 79, of Fairbury, passed away at 7:57pm, August 29, 2025, at his residence.

Cremation has been accorded.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Fr. Bill Keebler will be officiating.

An open house will held from 12:00-2:00pm, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Indian Creek Country Club, Fairbury.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital, Gentiva Hospice or Fairbury VFW.

Paul was born April 28, 1946, in Fairbury, the son of Norton Edgar "Hap "and Barbara (Steidinger) DeFries. They preceded him in death.

Surviving are his daughter, Erin (Cort) DeFries-Bouldin of Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Matthew P. DeFries of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Mason DeFries and Etla Bouldin; life partner and best friend, Mary Catherine Carter of Fairbury; step-son, Michael Carter of Laurens, SC; step-grandson, Thad Carter of Lexington, NC; brothers, Jon (Brenda) DeFries of Fairbury and Alan (Peggy) DeFries of Forrest; sister, Maggie (George) Miller of Forrest.

Paul was a locomotive engineer in Florida. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.