John Darrell Huffman
1934-2018
John Huffman passed away from CHF at his home in Edmond on June 23, 2018. He was born in 1934 in Wellington, Texas to Johnnie V and Edna (Self) Huffman, the only son and youngest of 4 children. The family moved to N. Texas and he graduated from Denison High School in 1951. Upon the death of his father when he was 14 he started his work career as an usher at the Rialto Theater in Denison. He started to work for Conway Oil Company, a division of Safeway, in Denison. After breaking his foot working in the plant he was transferred to the lab where he developed an interest in chemistry. He started college at Southeastern State University, majoring in chemistry while continuing to work full time. He graduated from Southeastern in 1958 with a B.S. in Chemistry and minor in Math. In his third year at Southeastern he met another student, Shirley Williams, and they were married in 1957. Two children were born to this union, Miles and Joni.
He went to work for Fleming Foods in Topeka, Kansas in 1970 and moved to OKC in 1984 when Fleming moved to the corporate office to OKC. He retired from Fleming in 1995 as Sr. V.P. Of Food Marketing Services. He was inducted into the Private Label Hall of Fame in 2009. He moved to Edmond in 1996. After retiring from Fleming, he continued to work as a consultant in the food industry and with partner Ken Bono in their business, Consolidated Brands, Inc. a food distribution company. He loved playing golf with his Oak Tree group and during summers in Crested Butte with friends there. He spent many enjoyable hours skiing in Crested Butte, both down hill and cross country. He was thrilled to attend the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta and the British Open In Muirfield, Scotland. He ran and finished in the 100th Boston Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon in Minnesota. He ran the “Gothic to Crested Butte Run, Walk or Crawl 1/3 Marathon” several years ago. He was a member of the Woodcarvers group at the Edmond Senior Center. He was a member of Santa Fe Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and on various committees.
John was preceded in death by his parents, son Miles, and three sisters, Helen Ritchie, Dorothy Schussler and Callie Riley. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley, daughter Joni (Steve Harris) granddaughter Hannah Harris, 2 grandsons, Tyler Huffman (Nicole) and Joseph Huffman, and 2 great grandsons, Kade and Kaleb Huffman, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at Santa Fe Presbyterian Church, 1603 N. Santa Fe in Edmond, on Saturday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Santa Fe Presb. Building Fund or your favorite animal shelter. Arrangements are being made through Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK.
Shirley and Joni – This made me so sad this morning when I read about John’s passing in the Topeka paper. I have so many good memories involving the Huffman family. My condolences to you and Tyler and Joey for the loss of a very good man. I imagine Miles was there to welcome him. Not sure if the phone number I have for you is still accurate, Shirley, as I called tonight and it just rang on and on. wishing you peace at this sad time.
Stacy Jeffress
Shirley and Family……I am deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing.
My prayers are offered up to you and the family.
John was a great mentor to me and his guidance and advice I have followed during my career.
He will be missed.
Mark Batenic
Shirley,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. John was a great inspiration, boss and a very good friend to me during my career. I always enjoyed his enthusiasm and energy; I think he enjoyed running me out of energy. I will never forget our famous Wally-ball games in OKC. He was always fun to be around.
I know he will greatly missed by everyone who has had the pleasure to know John.
Shirley,
I was so saddened when I saw John’s obituary in the Topeka paper. I was just thinking about him a few days ago. I still remember all our good times together at work, running and golfing. John was the best boss I had through out my career – he treated me so good.
He will be missed but John will always be in my heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug & Cappi Nelson
My deepest condolences for the death of your loved one, dear Mr. Huffma. May you find comfort knowing that others are mourning with you. The God of heavens feels your pain as well (Ezekiel 18:32). He wants to comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). His loving letter to you, the Bible, contains many words of comfort and hope. Please reach out to Him by reading it. He will sooth your broken hearts and give you hope for a marvelous future (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 37:11, 29). The free website, JW.ORG, has more verses of comfort and hope, which have helped me tremendously over the years. It is my sincere wish that it will benefit you as well . May the peace that only JEHOVAH can give be with all of you (Philippians 4:6-7).
I graduated from DHS with John…. he was “Mr. Personality” and all of us girls “swooned” over him. He was truly a friend to all and I shall never forget his great smile and kindness. My prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.