Sam Donald Chaffin

Funeral services for Sam Donald Chaffin, 90, of Mineola, Texas will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola, Texas. Services will be officiated by Dr. Mark Neely. Interment will be in Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery December 12, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. Sam passed away December 8, 2013, in Mineola, Texas.

He was born February 4, 1923 to Carl Lee Chaffin and Effie Della James Chaffin in Little Mound Community, Upshur County, Texas. He graduated from Big Sandy High School and joined the Air Force in 1942. Upon his discharge, Sam went to work as an airplane mechanic for Pioneer Airlines, which later became Continental Airlines. He retired in 1981 after 32 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Della and Carl Chaffin, his brothers Milton Chaffin and Neil Dean Chaffin, and sisters LeeDell Pepper and Bonnie Henry.

Sam is survived by his wife of 65 years, Geneva, daughter Debra Jarrell and husband David, daughter Sharon Freeman, grandson Ryan Jarrell, granddaughters Jessalyn Freeman and fiance Scott Mayer, and Audrey Freeman, and his sister Lou Hunter.

Sam was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a cherished friend to many. His passions were bluegrass music and his garden. He was a talented musician and a gifted mechanic.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Sam.