Obituary

Thomas Brown Pafford
(December 22, 1932 - May 15, 2018)

Thomas B. Pafford, loving husband, father and papa, local business man, caring boss and active community member, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in the Healthcare Unit at Woodlands Retirement Community.  He was born December 22, 1932 in Atkins, VA to the late Frank and Margaret Ida Pafford.  Tom is preceded in death by his two sisters Mary Jane Duke and Alice “Dit” Morris and his 3 brothers Frank Lee Pafford, Bobby Pafford and Bill Pafford.  He is survived by one brother, Doug (Sharon) Pafford of Moneta, VA. Tom was married to the love of his life, Barbara Kailing Pafford for a month shy of 63 years. They were married on June 26, 1955.  Their deep, abiding love continued even when his memory became fuzzy.  He always knew his Barbara and would frequently say how much he loved her.  They raised two children, a son, Thomas David Pafford of Durham, NC, who preceded Tom in death in October 2016, and a daughter, Katherine Lynn Morris of Barboursville, WV.  He is also survived by their spouses, Laura Collins-Pafford and Bob Morris.  One of his greatest joys was being Papa to his 6 grandchildren – Sara Morris and Alyssa Morris (Barboursville, WV), and Robert Burke, Liam Pafford, Lassha Pafford and Kieran Pafford (Durham, NC).  After high school, Tom served in the US Air Force for four years including a tour of duty in Korea.  He graduated from Marshall College with a degree in Business.  During college, Tom worked for J.S. Latta’s School Supplies in Huntington, WV.  He continued his career with Latta’s for 30 years.  He was active in the Association of School Supply Distributors. Mr. Pafford ended his working career with the Assessor’s Office in the Cabell County Courthouse. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church of Huntington, WV for over 60 years.  He served on various committees and was treasurer of the Trusties for many years.  Tom was also a long time member of the Downtown Huntington Kiwanis Club.  He served as treasurer and president of the local club as well as Lieutenant Governor for his district of the WV State Kiwanis.  Tom was involved in the Children’s Charities of Kiwanis International.  He generously supported the international missions of the organization and was presented the George F. Hixson Fellow Award in 2011 for his commitment to the Kiwanis motto “changing the world, one child at a time.”  Locally, he was active in his support of the Kiwanis Day Care Center through donations and serving on the board of directors. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19th at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will be held by the Rev. Mark Conner at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary. A private, family burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park.