SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15
(By Senator Fanning)
Requesting the Department of Transportation name the Division of
Motor Vehicles' facility in Williamson, Mingo County, the "Tom
C. Chafin Division of Motor Vehicles Memorial Facility".
Whereas, Tom C. Chafin, a lifelong resident of Mingo County,
was born April 30, 1911, on Mate Creek, Mingo County; and
Whereas, Mr. Chafin distinguished himself as a leader in
southern West Virginia politics and his perennial influence
extended from the smallest of Appalachian communities to the State
Capitol in Charleston and the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.
C.; and
Whereas, From his relatively humble beginnings as a coal miner
and merchant, Mr. Chafin learned the common touch which served him
exceedingly well later in his political and private life; and
Whereas, Mr. Chafin was a highly successful and popular public
servant, spending approximately 36 years in public life where he
variously served as Constable, County Clerk and Sheriff of Mingo
County and was often the top vote-getter on the Democratic ballot;
and
Whereas, Mr. Chafin was proud of his distinguished lineage
which included the Chafins and Hatfields, two prominent pioneer
Mingo families. Mr. Chafin's father was Allen Chafin and his mother was Lydia Hatfield Chafin, daughter of Ellison Hatfield (a
brother to "Devil Anse" Hatfield); and
Whereas, Mr. Chafin passed away in April, 1997, leaving behind
his beloved wife, sons and countless friends and acquaintances; and
Whereas, It is fitting that a lasting tribute be made in honor
of this uniquely homegrown political leader; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Department of
Transportation name the Division of Motor Vehicles' facility in
Williamson, Mingo County, the "Tom C. Chafin Division of Motor
Vehicles Memorial Facility"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is
hereby requested to commission the fabrication of a nameplate of
appropriate size, prominence and design containing the words "Tom
C. Chafin Division of Motor Vehicles Memorial Facility"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of
the Department of Transportation and the surviving members of Mr.
Chafin's immediate family.