Jeffrey L. "Hondo" Diffey

1941 - 2014

Jeffery L. "Hondo" Diffey, 73, passed away after a very brief illness on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014. He was born on Nov. 3, 1941, in Lubbock, Texas, to Durlon and Mary Diffey, and while he moved frequently during his childhood and working years, Farmington has always been his home.
Jeff graduated from Farmington High School and served for several years in the U. S. Army. Following military service, he went to college in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he studied engineering. He worked in the trucking industry for a number of years, and it was during this time that his short-wave handle "Hondo" became a nickname that stayed with him throughout his life. He was Jeff to family and Hondo to friends and co-workers.
In addition to trucking, Hondo worked in construction and in law enforcement, serving in the Farmington Police Department and in the Sheriff's Department. Most of his career was spent following his first vocational love, gas and oil drilling. The oil industry took Hondo to China, Australia and the African continent, as well as many drilling sites throughout the United States. Offshore drilling was his favorite. He continued to work as a consultant to the drilling industry until his death.
Jeff loved the outdoors, and would spend as much time hunting, camping and fishing as his other obligations would allow.
Jeff's greatest love was his wife Barbara and the family they shared together. Jeff and Barbara were married for 18 years. Jeff brought three children to their union -- sons Jeffrey Jr. and Warren, and daughter Cheri. Barbara's children were sons Bill and Robert, and daughters Ronnie and Sue. Together, they have 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Jeff had a great sense of humor, and the quips that crossed his mind were rarely held back. That sense of humor masked a large and tender heart that was visible to those who knew him well. Jeff will be mourned by his family, as Hondo will be missed by his friends and coworkers.
Jeff leaves behind his wife, Barbara; his children and stepchildren; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers, Jack and Maxwell; and his sister, Mona. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his stepson, Robert Woffard.
Funeral services for Jeff will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at First Baptist Church, 515 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, with pastor Keith Berryman officiating. Jeff will then be laid to rest in the Kirtland-Fruitland Cemetery in Kirtland.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Hondo's name to the Wounded warrior Project, Farmington Elks Lodge No. 1747, 801 Municipal Drive, Farmington, NM 87401.
Jeff's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.