Robert (Bob) Herman Chaffin

Robert (Bob) Herman Chaffin of Ithaca passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the age of 94.  Bob was born at home May 16, 1925 in Arcada Township, Gratiot County the son of Helen (Reeb) and Wesley Chaffin.  He married Susan (Krum) in 1953.  They had three children: Mark, Mike and Julie.  Bob graduated from Alma High School in 1943.  He began farming with a team of horses, but soon had a Ford tractor, “to get the work done”.  After graduation from Michigan State University in 1952, he became known as a farmer who tried new ideas such as “no till” drilling and irrigation.  Governor Milliken appointed Bob to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture (1975-1986).  Bob was active in the Ithaca United Methodist Church and was involved in farm-related activities, serving on several agricultural boards.  As a young man Bob loved to play baseball with his brothers and was part of the Pompeii team. In 2019 Bob was inducted into the Gratiot County Baseball League Hall of Fame. 

Bob is survived by his wife Sue of 66 years, son Mike Chaffin and Wynne Wright, daughter Julie (Reza Mohkami), and daughter- in-law Jeanne Chaffin; grandchildren:  Ben (Alyssa) Chaffin, Josh (Wendi) Chaffin, Halley Chaffin, Wyatt Chaffin, Sara Mohkami and Jessie Mohkami; great-grandchildren: Asher, Titus, Zeke, Glee and Vivian Chaffin, brother-in-law Roger (Mary) Krum and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Justin (Ada), Francis (Gerri), and Lee and son Mark. According to his wishes, Bob was cremated and his ashes will be spread over his parents’ graves and the farm where he was born.  

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22^nd at 11 AM at the Ithaca United Methodist Church, with Pastor Josh Chaffin presiding.  Visitation will be at the church Friday, February 21^st from 5 – 7 PM and at 9:30 AM until time of service.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Ithaca United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Connie and Steve Needham]

Sorry about uncle Bob. He was such a wonderful and kind man. I have often thought of him and the fun we had on the farm. He will be missed

[Terry Flegel]

My sincere condolences to the entire Chaffin family. I have many fond memories of you all, through my time in school, and growing up in Ithaca. Thinking of you all.

[Lawrence C Gould]

Sue and family, I have missed my Ithaca church family and you and Bob were always part of what makes the Ithaca UMC a great church. May God keep you and bless you at this time.....Larry

[Pastor Cindi Greene]

Our hearts go out to Sue and the family. Our prayers are lifting all up. Bob was always so kind to our family.

[Greta ,Tom trudell]

So sorry Chaffin family for your loss.

[Iudy Cameron]

I have such wonderful memories of Bob and his family. May your memories comfort you during this time.

[Sandy and Dan Webb]

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. What a great life he had with his family and his farming. Hugs to you all.

[Linda Weburg]

Our thoughts and prayers for Sue and the Chaffin family. Bob was a special person.
George and Linda Weburg

[Patty Reeves]

My Thoughts and Prayers are with Sue and Family. I kinda grew up always knowing Bob. He was a special person will miss his smiling face Patty Reeves

[Patty Reeves]

My Thoughts and Prayers are with Sue and Family. I kinda grew up always knowing Bob. He was a special person will miss his smiling face Patty Reeves

[Patty Reeves]

My Thoughts and Prayers are with Sue and Family. I kinda grew up always knowing Bob. He was a special person will miss his smiling face Patty Reeves

[Karen, Kevin & Joan]

No words are right at times like this, but we wanted you all to know that our thoughts and love are with you all at this time.
Although we only actually met a few times, Bob has been a part of our lives for a very long time and in particular I (Karen) remember him always smiling. Always full of fun. He was such a generous person. He will be missed by us all.
Karen, Kevin & Joan

[Brenda Netzley]

Sending prayers to the Chaffin family. So sorry to hear of Bob's passing, he was a special guy. Denis and Brenda Netzley

[Michelle Tremmel]

Dear Sue and Family, my sincerest condolences on the passing of Bob. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle (Stark, Walker) Tremmel

[LINDA A RECTOR]

Hello Sue and family. Just visiting on Facebook with a friend and found a "cousin", Darby (Nick) Chaffin who had also posted to Alisha Draper's page.
I'm sorry to learn that Bob died in February. I always liked the "Chaffin" laugh and smile. With love to you from Ardyce (Chaffin) Rector's family --- Linda, John and Bruce.