Harrybill Huffman September 27, 1932 - December 5, 2015

Harrybill Huffman passed away late Saturday evening, December 5, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 27, 1932 in Ava Missouri to Arthur and Fay (Daily) Huffman, was named after his two grandfathers Harry and William to form the unique name of Harrybill (one word) and without a middle name. His unique name was a precursor to a life uniquely and well lived. He graduated from Ava High School in 1950 where he met the love of his life, Cleo Peterson. They were married in Sweden, Missouri on June 1, 1952. He enlisted in the US Army in January 1953 where he served with the 37th Field Artillery in Communication in the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation. Harrybill is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Huffman (1973), mother Gola Fay Daily Huffman (1994), brother Bobby Neal Huffman (1973), and survived by wife Cleo, his daughter Cindy Cook Holdford and husband Dr. Tracy Holdford, and granddaughter Kinsey Cook; daughter Cheri Hamlin and husband Jeff Hamlin, and granddaughter Catherine Hamlin; nephew James (Jim) Huffman and wife Donna, niece Brenda Johnson and husband Vernon, sister-in-law Martha Stadler. He was greatly loved by many additional family members, close high school classmates, and many friends. As a natural athlete and sports fan, Harrybill enjoyed and participated in many sports. He was highly skilled at baseball and was encouraged to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, however he chose to instead work to support his family. He was employed by Kraft Foods retiring after 36 years in 1991. In 1991, his first grandchild, Kinsey Cook was born, a year later she named him “Do-Daddy” which became his beloved nickname, as his shiny red Chevy pickup truck could be seen around town bearing the Do-Daddy personalized license plate, or his red hat or other personalized gear. He was multi talented and creative as he could build nearly anything, or repair or create a fix for nearly anything. He was known to carry supplies neatly packed in his Chevy pick-up truck to provide first aid, diminish hunger or thirst, and tools to fix any issue in any circumstance. Harrybill was a highly skilled wood worker in designing and building furniture, taking great pride in finishing the construction of their dream home located near Rogersville. He was a consistent blood donor, donating over 24 gallons of blood which helped over 580 people. Harrybill built a wonderful life with his hands. With great agility throwing a baseball, with great accuracy holding a gun when hunting or a rod and reel when fishing with his lifelong buddy Duane Hesterly, with great strength and honor holding a gun or climbing communication poles for the Army, with the love of the land holding a shovel in farming, with great precision holding a hammer for woodworking or a router for designing, and the firm but gentle guidance with animals; but greatest of all, he was a great protector and supporter of his family and friends, he used his hands with great strength, care and devotion holding his adored wife, with tenderness with his cherished children and gentleness with the grandchildren of which were his pride and joy. His hands were always available to lend a helping hand to those sick or in need. The last evening of his life, his granddaughter Kinsey held his hand for hours as her beloved Do-Daddy passed away. We will forever cherish our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Funeral services for Harrybill will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in Asbury United Methodist Church, Springfield, MO. Burial will follow, with full military honors, at 2:00 P.M. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 8, 6 to 8 P.M. in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, MO. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Asbury United Methodist Church, Pet Therapy of the Ozarks, American Veterans or the organization of your choice.