SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 42
(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, Fanning, Anderson, Bailey,
Ball, Boley, Bowman, Buckalew, Craigo, Deem, Dittmar, Dugan,
Helmick, Hunter, Jackson, Kimble, Love, Macnaughtan, McKenzie,
Minear, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Ross, Schoonover, Scott,
Sharpe, Snyder, Sprouse, Walker, White, Wiedebusch and Wooton)
Expressing sadness at the passing of the late Tom C. Chafin, former
County Clerk and Sheriff of Mingo County and distinguished
West Virginian.
Whereas, Tom C. Chafin of Mingo County, West Virginia, was
born into a legendary family. He was the grandson of Ellison
Hatfield, who was the brother of Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield,
who led the Hatfield family in the famed Hatfield and McCoy feud;
and
Whereas, Tom C. Chafin, in earlier years, was a coal miner and
general merchant. He began his life of public service as a
constable in Mingo County; and
Whereas, Tom C. Chafin was married to his beloved wife, Hazel,
with whom he shared the joy of having three sons and two daughters;
and
Whereas, In 1962, Tom C. Chafin was elected Mingo County Clerk
and was reelected to that position in 1968; and
Whereas, In 1973, Tom C. Chafin was elected Mingo County Sheriff, serving two four-year terms. He was the first Mingo
County Sheriff to be elected to two consecutive terms. He once
said that he enjoyed serving as sheriff more than any other public
office he had held; and
Whereas, It was inevitable that the son of such a politically
involved man as Tom C. Chafin, who was such a powerful member of
the Democratic party in Mingo County, would enter public service.
His son, the Honorable H. Truman Chafin was elected to the Senate
of West Virginia in 1982, and presently serves as Senate Majority
Leader. Tom C. Chafin was immensely proud of the service of his
son to the citizens of this state in the West Virginia Legislature;
and
Whereas, Sadly, Tom C. Chafin passed away on Wednesday, April
9, 1997, leaving behind a memorable life of public service to the
citizens of Mingo County, a loving family and many friends;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby expresses its sincere sadness at the
passing of the late Tom C. Chafin, a proud member of a legendary
West Virginia family, former County Clerk and Sheriff of Mingo
County and distinguished West Virginian; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby expresses its sincere
sympathy to the Majority Leader of the Senate of West Virginia Senate, tThe
Honorable H. Truman Chafin, at the loss of his beloved father; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to Hazel Chafin, his beloved wife;, sons
the Honorable H. Truman Chafin, Andrew Chafin and Don Chafin; and,
to daughters Jeanne Persinger and Georgianne Griffith.