Loraine “Keith” Duffin

Loraine "Keith" Duffin, 96, returned to his Father in Heaven, September 26, 2025, with his family by his side.

Keith was born December 21, 1928, in Declo, Idaho to Loraine Thornton and Grace Cobbley Duffin. He had two younger siblings, Vern and Maurine. He attended school in Aberdeen, Idaho and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1947. Keith served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Eastern Canadian Mission from 1949 to 1951. He then attended Brigham Young University and there met his future wife, Louise Stoddard. They were sealed together on August 1, 1952, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They lived in Aberdeen, where he farmed until he was drafted into the United States Army on November 5, 1952. He was sent to Japan where he was an MP, Military Policeman. He was airlifted from Japan to Korea where he was an arms artificer in supply, in charge of guns for his whole company. He was made Corporal early in his career. He was a rifleman in the 24th infantry division. He was stationed ½ mile from the 38th parallel on the night that the cease fire was to take place, where within 10 minutes, the whole area went quiet. He was honorably discharged from the Army of the United States of America on October 19, 1954. While he was away, his first child, a son, was born. Stanley was 15 months old before Keith saw him for the first time.

Upon his return, Keith and his family again settled in Aberdeen, where he farmed until retirement. Even then, he could be found in the fields of running errands on the farm. They were blessed with 5 more children. He served on the Federal Land Bank and local board of directors of Idaho Potato Growers.

Keith was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various positions, including Bishop and Temple Ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls temple with his wife for 20 years. He loved the Gospel and his family. They were so important to him. He loved working the ground and teaching his children how to work also. Keith was a very kind, patient, pleasant and thoughtful person. He enjoyed visiting with others. He had a remarkable memory, so it was always fun to hear stories. He enjoyed flying in his airplane and welcomed any who wanted to go with him. He was a member of ‘Flying Farmers’ and he and his wife flew all over the country as part of this group, making many friends along the way. Keith & Louise also treasured their vacations to different parts of the world with their family and friends.

Keith is survived by his children: Stanley (Joanne) Duffin of Boise, Raymond (Chris) Duffin of Aberdeen, Karen (Steve) Mecham of Gilbert, Arizona, Sandra (Brian) Permann of American Falls, and Janilee (Trent) Palmer of Aberdeen: 29 grandchildren and 89 greatgrandchildren & 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Louise Stoddard Duffin, Daughter Christy Wride, his parents, Loraine & Grace Duffin, his brother Vern Duffin and his sister Maurine Driscoll.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aberdeen 1st Ward Chapel, 149 Central Avenue, in Aberdeen. A visitation will be from 7-8:00 p.m. on Thursday October 2, 2025, at the church and before the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Interment will follow at the Aberdeen Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Rose Mortuary. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.DavisRoseMortuary.com.

Many thanks to Grace Assisted Living in Chubbuck, Idaho for their kindness to our father.