Richard Huffman

On January 4, 2005, we lost a devoted friend, brother, son, and father. Richard Huffman died peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones. An informal gathering will be held at the Lee Haven Senior Citizen’s Complex in the Cass Browning Community Center, 111 S. Grand, Lee’s Summit, at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2005, to pay tribute to Richard and to mark his passing. A second memorial service will be held in the spring at Powell Gardens, Richard’s favorite retreat, at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the fund for a tree that will be planted in his honor. Richard grew up in Kansas City, MO, attending Francis Willard Grade School and graduating from Paseo High in 1952. He rose to the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, that of Eagle Scout, and was also a member of the distinguished Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Richard spent several treasured years as a naval officer, flying jet aircraft and serving aboard the USS Preston. Returning to civilian life, he worked for Jenkins Music, Calvins movie production, and retired as a service technician for Hobart. He is remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him as a loyal, thoughtful, compassionate, and fun loving person of quick wit and a devilish sense of humor, as well as great depth and creativity. He could quote Omar Khayyam or explain quantum physics, take beautiful pictures of flowers or create new film equipment, carve beautiful wooden pens or repair a flooded furnace, play any instrument or play with a potato gun. He had a gift for finding the most unique jewelry, carving beautiful lamps, fixing anything, and spelling out “I love you” in pancake batter. He was philosopher, scientist, artist, inventor, and musician. Above all, Richard was unconditional love. To the last he was lovingly cared for at home by his former wife Wanda, her husband Pat, daughters Debrah and Roxanne, former son-in-law Ignacio, childhood friends Jim, John, and Wes, and a wonderful hospice team. His parents-inlaw William and Eleanor Anders, his sisters Louise and Nancy, his friends Jan, Diane, and Terry, and many other friends also sent their love and support daily. He will be missed and remembered, longer than always, by those who knew him. May he rest knowing.