Don Chafin II Obituary

Don C Chafin, II, 85, died August 18, 2025 at Windsor Point Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC.  He was born August 25, 1939 in Huntington, WV, the son of Marion R and Virginia (Donevant) Chafin.

Don entered the Military in 1961 and achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 in 1963 specializing in advanced ground to air missiles.  He received commission as a 2nd Lt, US Army Combat Engineers and graduated from the US Army Engineer Officers School in Ft. Belvoir, VA in 1965.

Don graduated from West Virginia University in 1966 with a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering and from Rutgers University with a MS Degree in Engineering Mechanics in 1968.  He also completed Advanced Graduate Studies programs from Ohio State University in 1974-1976.  

His Civilian occupation stretched over 33 years’ experience in research, design and development of advance telecommunications, retiring in 1998 as Director of Research and Development, from Nortel Technology Inc. in Raleigh NC.  He also served as President of Chafin Land Corp, a WV coal and natural gas company. Don had many notable memberships, published articles in his field of work and attended Hope Community church in Raleigh, NC.

Don was the grandson and namesake of Don Chafin(deceased), legendary Sheriff of Logan County WV for 25 years.  In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Cynthia Chafin, and his “beloved wife and soul mate”, Angela DeCarlo Chafin of Fairmont, WV in 2006.

He is survived by his daughter Sherrie Chafin of Ohio, daughter Dawn Rasmusson and her husband (Chuck) of Ohio: Step daughter Denise Chiartas and her husband Gregory of Charleston, WV and Stepson James Moore of Fairmont WV.  He has six grandchildren, Tyler Chiartas of Virginia, Elliott Chiartas of West Virginia, Josua Moore of West Virginia and Alyssa, Rose and DM Rasmusson all of Ohio.

Don,” Pop-Pop Don,” “Pap” will be remembered as a smart, hardworking engineer, a devoted husband, funny grandfather and an avid WVU Mountaineer fan.  A family graveside service will be held in Monongah, WV.  Arrangements are being made by Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue, Fairmont, WV.