Lincoln Clayborn Mahaffey Jr (103), passed away on October 1, 2026. Lincoln was born in Shelbyville, Missouri on March 7, 1923, to Lincoln Clayborn Mahaffey Sr. and Mary Alice Hicklin. He had 5 sisters and 1 brother, with one sister and his only brother dying in infancy.

Around 1938 the family moved to Washington state, eventually settling in Kennewick. During his youth he enjoyed baseball and skating year-round. He was always industrious and constantly looking for ways to earn money. He raised pigs in 4-H, hauled grapes, and worked various odd jobs. He bought his first car, a 1919 Model T, when he was a junior in high school. Lincoln graduated from Kennewick High School in 1942.

On June 30, 1942, he was drafted into the army. He sold his Model T and off to war he went.

He landed at the now infamous beaches of Normandy and he would tearfully share how it coincided with his mother's birthday. Using their half-track vehicle, they maneuvered countless miles and conflicts, including the greatest land battle ever fought ... The Battle of the Bulge! He went on to help free many prisoners in concentration camps and was honorably discharged from the military at the end of his service.

When Lincoln returned home, he purchased 20 acres in Kennewick using his GI bill. In 1947, he started working construction and proudly bought his first backhoe. This single piece of machinery would later become Mahaffey Enterprises and continues to be family run and bear the same name to this day.

Lincoln loved to go to The Grange Hall for dances and to socialize. That is where he met Genevieve Lena Johnson. They were married on February 17, 1948, in Kennewick, Washington with their marriage later being solemnized in the SLC Temple. They had 5 children; Glen, Fred, Floyd, Kathy, and Sid. He loved to work and took pride in building his business and providing for his family. During his free time, he would hunt and was deemed a superior marksman. He enjoyed playing pinochle, going to family gatherings, and eating ... especially Cherry Pie!

Lincoln is preceded in death by his wife Genevieve, twin sons Fred & Floyd, granddaughter Brittany, grandsons Glen Roy Mahaffey Jr. ‘Glennie Boy’, and Dayne Arelian Hansen.

He is survived by his son Glen (Paula) Mahaffey, daughters-in-law Kristy and Lanai Mahaffey, daughter Kathy (Steve) Hansen, son Sid Mahaffey, along with 21 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Thank you, Dad, for imparting to each of us a work ethic, how to face life’s challenges, and a deep love for our country.