John Locke Huddleston, age 95, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He was born at home in Richmond, Arkansas on April 19, 1929 to the late Robert Emmet Huddleston and Mary Locke Huddleston. John married the love of his life, Nancy, on August 24, 1961, and together they had two children, Scott and Cindy, and he had a bonus son, Joe Cohea. John was predeceased by his parents, his son Scott, and his siblings Robert, James, Mathew, Mary, Angeline and Ruth. John attended high school in Hooks, Texas, graduating in 1947. Soon after graduating, John was drafted into the Army and deployed overseas during the Korean War. After returning from the war, John worked at the Red River Arsenal before moving to Fayetteville to attend the U of A, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. John retired from the University of Arkansas in 1991 after working in the computer industry for 31 years. When John was hired, the university was in the process of transitioning to its first computer system. How he has witnessed technology change over the years! Known for his generous nature, John was involved in the Noon Kiwanis Club and later the Evening Lions Club, where he served as treasurer for many years. John was passionate about diabetes education and helping people diagnosed with the disease afford their medications and testing supplies. Because of his commitment to the community, he was named Lion of the Year by the Evening Lions Club in 2003. He was also a proud member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities including Sunday school superintendent, usher, boys’ Sunday school teacher, and Cub Scout leader. Growing up in rural Arkansas, John loved the outdoors. Over the years, he and Nancy raised chickens commercially, planted beautiful gardens and flower beds, and John always made sure the birds that came to his yard had enough to eat. Funeral services will be conducted by Moore’s Chapel and will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. A memorial service with military honors will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. To mourn online, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
Published August 18, 2024
