WPI/NTPA is saddened to report the death on Wednesday, April 23 of Donald W. Dafforn, 78, of Monroeville, Indiana. Mr. Dafforn competed on the Region II, Hoosier State Tractor Pullers Association, and Wolverine Pullers circuits throughout the 1990s and 2000s with his “Hustler” Chevrolet Two Wheel Drive.
A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Dafforn worked for 31 years for Salomon Farms in Churubusco before moving on to Steinbarger Welding and Farm. He served on the board of directors for his region’s Energy Management Council and belonged to American Legion Post #157.
Mr. Dafforn began his pulling career in the 1970s in the Modified division but migrated to the wheelstanding pickup class as the category grew in popularity. He and his late wife Karen campaigned the 1967 metallic sky blue C10 across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan from their home base in “Turtletown.” A career highlight came in 1995 with his victory at the ninth annual Enderle Pull-Off.
Mr. Dafforn is survived by his daughters Tammy (David) Karr, Trinna (Ty) Keener, Kimberly (Fred) Yagodinski, and Kris (Brad) Gemme; his son Tim (Susie) Frazier; his brother Roger; his sister-in-law Mary Jo Hasson; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His full obituary may be found here.
Visitation for Mr. Dafforn’s family and friends is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Sheets & CHilds Funeral Home Churubusco Chapel, 206 North Main Street, Churubusco, Indiana 46723. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Indiana Honor Flight.
Please keep Mr. Dafforn’s family and pulling family in your thoughts.