Kelly Joe Chaffin

1957 - 2025

Kelly Joe Chaffin, 67, beloved brother, uncle, friend, and partner, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025. Born July 30, 1957, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Alice Opal Fortner Chaffin and Freddie Leon Chaffin Sr., Kelly lived a life full of laughter, stories, and adventure.

Raised in Blackfoot, Idaho, Kelly attended school there until his junior year before graduating from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls in 1975. Never one to sit still, Kelly jumped into the workforce with energy and enthusiasm. A true jack of all trades, he did it all-from road construction and contracting to handyman work but it was his time at Southfork Lodge as a hunting and fishing guide that he cherished most. Working for his sister Linda and brother-in-law Spence, he served as a fishing and hunting guide during the summers and a bartender in the winter. Those were, as he often said, "the best years of my life." He loved being out on the river although, ironically, Kelly was often the one getting hooked. It became a running joke that if there was a fly line flying, Kelly was sure to catch it...with his face, hat, or shirt. He took it in stride and always laughed the hardest.

Kelly married Kate Johnson on May 23, 1981, in Boise, Idaho. Kate passed away in 2008, and in 2009 Kelly found love again with his partner, Diana Garcia. They shared many joyful years, recently taking a trip to Disneyland together.

Known far and wide as the King of Bullshitters, Kelly had a larger-than-life personality that lit up every room and campfire he entered. He was the life of the party, once even eating worms at a family reunion just to make his nieces laugh. His wit was sharp, his comebacks sharper, and his heart pure gold.

His younger years were filled with harmless mischief, usually alongside his older brother and partner-in-crime, Freddie Jr. Together, they worked their grandparents' dairy farm and moved pipe in the potato fields, saving every penny for ski passes and winter adventures.

Later in life, Kelly found peace and purpose in the Mackay community, where he loved lending a hand whenever help was needed, riding his side-by-side through the hills, and simply being present for others. He never met a stranger, and if you ever needed help or a laugh, Kelly was your guy.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Freddie Sr.; his sister Linda Warner and brother-in-law Spence Warner; stepmother Barbara Chaffin; his wife, Kate Chaffin; and many dear aunts, uncles, and extended family.

He is survived by his loving partner Diana Garcia, brother Freddie Chaffin Jr.; nieces Christie (Jason) Sauer, Ashley Chaffin, Mandy Chaffin, Nikki (Seth) Anderson, Lexi Chaffin, Darcy Warner, and Aliccia Warner Braaten; step-sisters Margaret Van Orden and Connie Wassie; step-brother Bill (Karen) Hocking Jr.; aunt HannahMae Mitchell, step-son Shane Jenkins; and numerous cousins, friends, and fishing buddies.

We will miss his mischief, his smile, and his unwavering love. Rest easy, Kelly. Heaven just gained a great storyteller who probably made a deal or two on the way in.

A Celebration of Life for Kelly will be set at a later date.