David Haffner

David Russell Haffner, previously from Portland, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the morning of June 9, 2025. 

David was born Aug. 9, 1939, in Portland, Indiana, to Russell and Jeanette Haffner (Davis). After graduation from Portland High School, David served four years in the United States Air Force. He was employed by the Teledyne Portland Forge for many years, retiring in 2002.

David loved his wife and family more than anything. They enjoyed camping, traveling and gardening, and David loved watching his girls play sports.

On Sept. 28, 1963, he married the love of his life, Beth Thomas. They lived in Portland most of their lives, until moving to Arcanum, Ohio, and eventually to Clayton, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Beth Haffner of Clayton, Ohio; daughter Joni Haffner and her wife Tammy Davis of Pierceton, Inidana; daughter Kim Holler and her husband Greg of Clayton, Ohio; his wonderful grandchildren Zach Holler and his wife Elizabeth Wilson of Chillicothe, Ohio, granddaughter Mallory Holler and her husband Doug Walsh of Union, Ohio, Marjeanna Poe and her husband Alex of Pierceton, Indiana, and Kayla Swick of Warsaw, Indiana; three great-grandchildren, Kyra, Jocelyn and Zayda; and many beloved fur grandbabies. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Kelly and her husband Howard from Portland; sister-in-law Martha Haffner and many nieces and nephews.

David was surrounded with love from his caregivers that took such wonderful care of him and we are so grateful for their love, comfort and humor.

David was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Gerald Davis; brother Richard Haffner; and sister Sandra Drumm.

Because of David’s love for animals, in lieu of flowers, we would rather you donate in his memory to our charity of choice, Brave Breed Rescue, 6030 S. Wheelock Road, West Milton, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held at Baird-Freeman Funeral home in Portland, Indiana, on July 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with a few words from the Rev. Zach Holler at approximately 2 p.m. and open to friends and family who would like to share memories.