Everett Chaffin

Everett Leroy Chaffin, 97, of Perry, Oklahoma, was the son of J.T. and Dora Gosnell Chaffin. He was born on December 12, 1916, in the family home near Hasty, Arkansas. Everett passed away on Friday, December 13, 2013 at Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1934. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Education from Northeastern State University in 1940, and his Masters in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma A M in 1950. Everett enlisted in the United States Army in 1940, serving in active duty in WW II until 1946 and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He served in the Army Reserves from 1946 to 1977 when he retired as a Lt. Colonel. After his enlistment in the United States Army, Everett married the love of his life, Betty Jane Marrs on November 8, 1941 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Everett and Betty enjoyed 49 years of marriage, until Bettys passing on July 20, 1991. Everett began his teaching career in 1948 at Eufala Public Schools. He taught there until 1953. It was in 1954 that Everett began his memorable career as the Vocational Education Instructor for Perry High School. Many students benefited from his dedication to teaching. The sincere pride he felt in the accomplishments of his students was infectious. Everett remained the beloved Ag Instructor at Perry for 23 years until his retirement in 1977. He was proud to be named the Perry High School Teacher of the Year and received the FFA honorary American Farmer Award. Upon his retirement, Everett briefly served as Noble County Assessor. He was a member of several civic clubs including the Perry Rotary Club and was past Commander of Perry American Legion Post 53. He was also a member of the 33rd Infantry Division Organization. In 1988 the Perry Jr. Livestock Show was dedicated to Everett for his many years of service to the program. Most recently in 2011, he was honored with his induction as a teacher, to the Perry High School Alumni Honor Roll. Everett devoted his life to his family, his Ag Boys and to the service of his country. He had strong opinions and often shared them by submitting Letters to the Editor to the Perry Daily Journal. He was a proud teacher and doubly proud of the accomplishments of his students. His entire professional life was dedicated to educating and molding the character of the members of the Perry FFA. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. He also served as a volunteer for many years at Integris Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Perry. Everett lived in Enid, Oklahoma for several years and for the last 10 years in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he participated in activities at The Village and The Lodge. He was a coveted dance partner and known for his homegrown fruits and vegetables. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Perry, Oklahoma. Brother Aaron Summers will officiate. Burial will be at Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of BrownDugger Funeral Home in Perry, Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to the Perry Alumni Association, Inc., in care of BrownDugger Funeral Home, 1010 N. 7th Street, Perry, Oklahoma 73077. Everett is survived by four sons, Dr. Tom Chaffin and his wife, Barbara of Spicewood, Texas, Dr. John Chaffin and his wife, Terre of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Ross Chaffin and his wife, Lauren of Millsboro, Delaware, and Don Chaffin and his wife, Karen of Ardmore, Oklahoma ten grandchildren, Lori, David, Brooke, Kristen, Luke, Bobbe, Kara, Matt, Ross and Taylor twelve greatgrandchildren, Ryan, Kate, Kaly, Sophie, Jack, Ian, Wyndan, Emma, Will, Annie, Hank, and Charlie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty parents, J.T. and Dora Chaffin five adult brothers, two infant brothers and one sister. All Everetts former FFA students will serve as honorary pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the family using the online guest book at www.brownduggerfuneralhome.com.