[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 188 (Thursday, November 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF JOSEPH M. DEFFNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 2017

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and honor 
the life of a dedicated husband, father, mentor, and community leader 
from The Woodlands, TX: Joseph Michael Deffner.
  Born and raised in New Orleans, Joe Deffner spent his early years in 
Louisiana before moving to The Woodlands and becoming a true Texan.
  As a child, Joe was a member of the Saint Edward the Confessor Church 
Cub Scout Pack 496 in Metairie, Louisiana. Many years later, Joe 
imparted this love of scouting to his own three sons: Justin, Brett, 
and Jackson, who remained active in scouting throughout their teenage 
years.
  Ultimately, Joe dedicated ten years of his life to the local scouting 
program at St. Simon and Jude's Catholic Church, in The Woodlands, TX, 
including a three-year stint as the Scoutmaster of Troop 204, one of 
the largest troops in the Tall Timbers District.
  Devoted to the advancement and leadership development of his sons and 
the many scouts under his leadership, Joe personally led three scout 
trips to High Adventure Bases across the country, and under his 
guidance, thirty-two scouts attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the 
highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. Joe's hard work and 
dedication was rewarded in 2014, when he was recognized as the Tall 
Timber District's ``Outstanding Scout Leader''.
  In addition to his community involvement, Joe built a successful 
career in finance. Highly respected in his field, Joe's career led him 
to work for industry giants, such as Citi Global Commodities, Amaranth, 
Enron Corp, and UBS. In 2013, Joe filled a new role as the Managing 
Director of HPS Investment Partners LLC in Houston, TX.
  Joe's dedication to his wife, Lisa Bills, and his sons, Justin, 
Brett, and Jackson provides a stellar example of a loving husband and 
father--an example that deserves to be recognized and emulated by all 
who hear of his story. I am certain that Joe's entire family, including 
his mother and father, Mary and Joseph; his sister, Cheryl; his niece 
and nephews, Maia, Liam, and Aidan; his mother-in-law, Donna; and 
brothers-in-law, John and Eric will sorely miss his quick wit and 
lively personality.
  It is my honor to join Joe's family, friends, and the entire 
community of The Woodlands, TX, to recognize Joe's lifetime of 
dedicated service. Joe passed away on November 7, 2017, and he will be 
truly missed.

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