Lonnie Charles Chafin
December 7, 1943 ~ January 7, 2025
Born in:
Steubenvile, Ohio
Resided in:
New Cumberland , West Virginia
Lonnie Charles Chafin, 81, of Weirton passed away on January 7, 2025.
Lonnie was born on December 7, 1943, in Steubenville, Ohio, one of six children born to Lonnie H. Chafin and Jessie E. (Boyd) Chafin.
Lonnie grew up in Weirton, West Virginia, and graduated from Weir High School.
Shortly after graduating high school, he served his country in the United States Army for two years, with deployments to Vietnam and Germany.
After returning from his military service, Lonnie dedicated over 30 years to Weirton Steel as a
line operator in the Sheet Mill’s galvanized lines, where he found joy in his work, often saying that work was “fun.”
In 1967, while in Cleveland, Ohio, Lonnie met the love of his life, Deborah (Williamson) Chafin. They married in June of 1968 and spent a lifetime building a beautiful family and sharing countless memories. Deborah was his everything.
He had a zest for life that was unmatched. He was ornery, the life of the party, and always carried a warm and loving spirit. Known for his kindness, Lonnie would help anyone in need—whether they were a close friend or a stranger.
In his free time, Lonnie enjoyed hunting and bowling.
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Deborah, Lonnie was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Chafin, William L. Chafin, and his sister Dixie Frankhouser.
He is survived by his loving family, who meant the world to him: sons Joseph Robert Chafin and Mark Bennet; daughters Londa Renee (Rick) Wade and Chelle Yvonne (Shawn) Shepard; grandchildren Travis Shepard, Brendon Wade, Emma Brooks, Anthony Goffoli, Gianna, and Domenic Chafin; and great-grandchildren Avery Shepard and Loyal Howard; brother, David Chafin and sister, Anita Kendricks He will also be missed by his lifelong friends, Gary and
Maggie Clark.
A visitation will be held on Saturday from 1-4 PM at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home followed by cremation at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home’s crematory.
Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com
I worked with Butch (that’s what we called him), on #3 Galvanize Line in the Sheet Mill. I enjoyed working with him, because he was ALWAYS so funny.
He died on my birthday.
My prayers will be with you all, during this difficult time.
God Bless
Sincerely
Christine Chafin Wade
Butch and Debbie took me in when I graduated from high school. They put up with me and my shenanigans and I felt their love every day. I always said if I could be half as good as they were at being parents, things would be OK. An inspiration of love and generosity. They are together again. God bless their family
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Lonnie Charles Chafin, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Veteran, Lonnie Charles Chafin, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
You will never have a better friend than Butch. I miss him and all the good times we had together hunting, fishing, and socializing on the back porch. We all will miss him dearly. My condolences to his family. I love you all.
Londa, & family, Your dad blessed your days while he was here. The love that he gave Will keep adding blessings year after year. My love & prayers. Doris