Carl Lee Chaffee

Born on July 9,1932 in Talbot, Indiana, to parents Minor and Ella (Metzinger) Chaffee, Carl was a devoted son, sibling, husband, father, and friend whose life was marked by a passion for hands-on craftsmanship.

He joined the United States Air Force after high school in 1951 and that’s when his interest to cook began in food service while working on base. He transferred over into the Maintenance field and worked on the B 52’s and retired at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in 1971. His career path took him into Communications and Carl retired after 15 years from AT&T.

He was a self-taught cook who found joy in feeding others, always ready with a warm meal. Carl’s love for the outdoors found its expression in his garden, where he spent countless hours nurturing plants and sharing his harvest with neighbors and friends. His green thumb was rivaled only by his skilled hands in his garage and workshop. There was little he couldn't fix, and his resourcefulness and willingness to help others were hallmarks of his generous spirit.

Carl was a devoted member of St. Pius Church in Shreveport, Louisiana for 47 years. His faith was a steady presence in his life and an important part of the values he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Marrying the love of his life, Shirley, on August 24, 1955, together they built a home full of love and generosity spanning nearly seven decades. Carl was the president and Wagon Master of Good Sam's Club. He went to Oxford High School in Oxford, Indiana and graduated in 1950.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents; Minor Jacob and Ella Metzinger Chaffee, sisters; Lucille A Froelich, Bernice L. Hanns, Harriet F. Fassnacht and Vera M. Martin, brothers; Laverne J. Chaffee and Richard D. Chaffee.

He is survived by his loving wife Shirley Beatrice Chaffee, sons; Roger Chaffee (Jena) and David Chaffee, one daughter; Julie Thibodeaux (Joe), 9 grandchildren; Ariel Spence (Ian), Nick Chaffee (Abigail), Christopher Chaffee (Krysta), Carissa Thibodeaux, Tyler Thibodeaux (Mercedes), Caleb Thibodeaux, Chase Crnkovic, Victoria Chaffee and Connor Chaffee. 13 Great-Grandchildren; Elizabeth Spence, Jesse Chaffee, Jacob Chaffee, Joshua Chaffee, John Chaffee, Valerie Chaffee, Miley Chaffee, Noah Chaffee, Evangeline Thibodeaux, Lydia Thibodeaux, Autumn Thibodeaux, Elijah Thibodeaux and Gunner Crnkovic. Sisters; Dolores J. Labaw and Mary Bonita “Bonnie” Coffman, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, visitation to begin at 1 pm with services following at 2:00 in the afternoon at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home - Chapel with Deacon Rev. Jeff Chapman officiating.

Honoring Carl as pallbearers will be Chase Crnkovic, Nick Chaffee, Christopher Chaffee, Connor Chaffee, Caleb Thibodeaux, Ian Spence, Kyle Graves, and Carl Lindsey.

Special thanks from the Family to CHRISTUS Hospice of Shreveport, Louisiana and to Aunt Bonnie for all her wisdom and help.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in Carl’s memory.