James Darrell Haffner, age 87, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019, in Norman Veterans Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Darrell was born on March 28, 1932 in Altus, Oklahoma to James Clifton Haffner and Betty Lorene Graves - Haffner. He attended Capitol Hill High School and married the love of his life, Alma Joyce Thompson shortly after graduation. Together they had 4 children Joyce, Jimmy, Ken and Dan. After graduation, Darrell and Alma delayed marriage because they suspected Darrell would be drafted to the army. After months without being drafted Darrell and Alma married. He was drafted two weeks later.
A patriot, Darrell loved his country and honorably served 2 years active duty and 8 years in the reserve where he was the recipient of numerous awards including a medal of good conduct. After being honorably discharged, he worked 27 years in the sheet metal trade before transferring to insurance and investments. He was an avid fisherman, camper, and lover of the outdoors and a devoted OU Sooner football fan. He kept a flourishing garden every year out of necessity, in the early years, and enjoyment in the latter. He also spent many years as a successful golfer winning many tournaments and trophies. He was an exceptional provider for his family and was loved dearly by his wife and children. Darrell was also an active member of the church with a deep seeded faith in God. Darrell was well known for his quick wit and good humor, but more than that, was an honorable, hardworking, Godly man. He was exemplary in the way he lived his life.
Darrell is preceded in death by his wife Alma, his son Jimmy Darrell Haffner; his parents James Clifton Haffner and Betty Lorene (Graves) Haffner as well as three brothers Stanton, Kenny, and Steve Haffner. He will be remembered for his faith, integrity, and sense of humor and his memory will be forever cherished by his children, Joyce Loraine Manis (husband Steve Manis), James Kennon Haffner (wife Rosie) and John Daniel Haffner; his grandchildren, Tanya Michele Shade (husband Kenny), Jeremie Allen Manis, Krystal Nicole Black (husband Tyler), Chris Daniel Haffner, Lindsey Danielle Thomas (husband Justin), Kenberly Ann Williams (husband Junior), Alyssa Meagan Haffner, Ashley Danielle
Haffner; many great-grandchildren, as well as, many other family members and countless friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Norman Veterans Center, Frontier Hospice, and Laneigha Shuman for the compassion and exceptional care they provided Darrell and the Haffner family during his final days. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Haffner family.
