Joseph H Huff

Joseph “Joe” Harrison Huff, 91, Kokomo, passed away at his home on November 27, 2010 after an extended illness. Born March 2, 1919, in Sullivan, Indiana, he was the son of the late Reverend George E. and Lula A. (Spicer) Huff.

Joe attended schools in Elwood and Terre Haute and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1937. He married Belva Rebecca Aldridge in September of 1939. Six children were born to this union: Sandra (Jack) Duckworth, Pendleton; Janice (Joseph) Bougher, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Gloria (William) Babb, Kokomo; Rebecca (Greg) Cook, Franklin; David (Lisa) Huff, Anderson; and Delora (David) Mullens, North Judson.

Prior to the Second World War, Joe was a factory employee, mostly for National Trailer Co. He was active in sport, playing for the factory softball team as well as the city of Elwood baseball team. In May of 1944, Joe was inducted into the United State Navy. He was Chief Radio Operator for the fleet commander of the LSM Flotilla Six. Joe participated in the invasion of Okinawa Island on Easter Sunday morning, 1945.

After the war, Joe was employed by Montgomery Ward Department Stores in Elwood; Paris, Illinois; and Kokomo. He became the assistant manager of the Paris, Illinois store and moved to Kokomo in 1955 where he was manager of the floor covering department. He retired from Montgomery Ward on January 1, 1982.

Joe accepted God’s gracious gift of salvation on January 13, 1985 at the age of 66 years. He and Belva are members of Faith United Methodist Church in Kokomo, where he actively participated in the choir until the age of 90. Along with his wife, he was a faithful member of the “Noodle Brigade” at Faith UMC, affectionately known as “The Old Crank” as he continually turned the crank on the noodle maker. Joe was an avid reader and volunteered as a tutor for the Literacy Coalition of Howard County, where he taught many adults how to enjoy the gift of reading.

The joy of Joe’s life was spending time with his large family, especially the annual Huff family vacations. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Belva Huff; his six children (mentioned above); 19 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and five sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Faith United Methodist Church, 1518 Faith Road, Kokomo. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Jim Clark, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the church. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church or Visiting Nurse Hospice. Condolences to the family may be made at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.