Exhibit 99.6

CONSENT OF PROSPECTIVE DIRECTOR

In accordance with Rule 438 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, I hereby consent to my being named in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, to which this consent is an exhibit, filed by First Defiance Financial Corp. (“First Defiance”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto (the “Registration Statement”) and any prospectus and/or proxy statement contained therein and any amendment or supplement thereto, as a person who is to become a director of First Defiance upon consummation of the Merger (as such term is defined in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 9, 2019, by and between First Defiance and United Community Financial Corp.), and to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Date: October 9, 2019

By:	/s/ Gary M. Small
	Gary M. Small