Harry attended grade school in Dacoma, OK and graduated high school at Hulbert, OK. After a year of college, he enlisted in the Air Force in Alva, OK and had his 6 week basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. He then went on to Amarillo’s Technical Training Center for 16 weeks of jet aircraft mechanic training. Harry was next stationed at the Lincoln Air Force Base as a crew chief on B-47 Bombers. During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, half of his squadron was deployed to Florida. While in Lincoln, he saw an ad for “cowboys wanted” to help break horses. It was at that job that he met his wife, Karin. He completed his military career at the Lincoln base and was discharged in January of 1965.
Harry and Karin (Sturdy) Chaffin were married August 24, 1963 in the Cheney United Methodist Church in Cheney, NE. They have lived on their farm in Palmyra, NE for over 50 years and were blessed with two children: Glenda Lyn (Chaffin) Beckman and Brian Harry Chaffin,
Throughout the years, Harry worked for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Agronomy Weed Services Dept., Goodyear Tire & Rubber, and eventually retired from Northern Natural Gas in 2001 after 29 years. Harry was an active member of his community as a member of the Palmyra Presbyterian Church, Palmyra Action League, and Otoe County Fair Board. He was also a lifetime member of Nash Jensen Post #195 and was appointed to the Otoe County Veterans Commission in 2021.
Harry enjoyed farming, playing cards and cribbage, raising their registered donkeys, pecan pie, coconut cake, and black walnut ice cream.
Harry loved his family deeply; especially playing with, and of course, spoiling his grandkids and great grandkids.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Carl Leonard, Charles and Clyde. He is survived by his wife or 59½ years, Karin; children Glenda (Jeff) Beckman and Brian (Teresa) Chaffin; grandchildren Amanda (Kyle) Boyle, Heather (Dustin) Marek, Isabella Chaffin, Zemua Baptista, Elise Chaffin, and Camden Chaffin; great grandchildren Barrett, Braxton, Kaydence, and Ella.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Thursday (3-16-23) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive. Burial in the Cheney Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. with military graveside rites conducted by Nash Jensen American Legion Post #195, Palmyra, NE.
Visitation with family present from 5-7 pm Wednesday (3-15-23) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.
Memorials to Palmyra Fire & Rescue or Palmyra Presbyterian Church.