Bob Huddleston
Bob Huddleston, 87, passed from this life July 12, 2021.
Born January 26, 1934, the youngest son of Harry Jennings Huddleston and Mary Della Gray Huddleston. Bob married Barbara Bell June 29, 1952, in De Leon, Texas. They were blessed with a wonderful marriage of sixty-nine loving years. Bob graduated from De Leon High School in 1950. Following high school, he went to work in the oil field for Schlumberger in McCamey, Texas but soon returned home to De Leon to farm and ranch with his father on the Double H Farm while working parttime for Southwestern Peanuts Growers Association in Abilene. He then gained employment with MKT (Katy) Railroad where he serviced customers from Stamford to Bellmead, just outside of Waco. The MKT rail line from Gorman to Dublin was later purchased by Birdsong Peanuts to become the Texas Central Railroad and to many the “Peanut Line”. Bob served as Vice President of the Texas Central Railroad for over twenty-five years, a position he dearly loved, working under the direction of Tom Birdsong, Board Chairman of Birdsong Peanuts. He loved his 39-year railroad career with the Katy and Texas Central, which blessed him with many great lifelong friendships with co-workers.
When Bob was not on the train, he farmed and ranched in Duster, Texas on land purchased by his parents in 1940. He raised Hereford cattle, peanuts, hay, watermelons, and cantaloupes. Bob was always willing to sacrifice his spare time to the betterment of the community of De Leon and Comanche County and was recognized by many as a strong, community leader. Early on, he selflessly volunteered his time on the De Leon Volunteer Fire Department, enjoyed coaching a little league baseball team, and he taught a high school Sunday School class for his Church of Christ family. He also served as a Director of the Upper Leon Water District for 37 years, was a member of Stephenville Production Credit Association for over 40 years and was also elected to serve on the De Leon School Board serving as President for several terms. Bob was a County Election Judge for many years and served on the local Farmer’s Home Administration Advisory Board, the De Leon Cemetery Association, and the De Leon Beautification Committee. He was always searching for a way to be in service of others and to make his hometown a better place for his neighbors. He was a kind, witty and a loyal friend to so many and he was always buying meals for others for them to enjoy.
Bob enjoyed many activities and hobbies throughout his life, but his family was always his greatest joy. Being a devoted and steadfast father and grandfather to his family was his top priority. He enjoyed going to Bearcat athletic events and Honeybee and Tarleton basketball games and loved dining at Mary’s Café in Strawn. Bob was a selfless husband, father and a fun-loving “Daddy Bob” and he was always willing to help his family and others in their time of need by merely asking “how can I help.” Bob’s infectious laugh and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Huddleston; son, Mike Huddleston and wife, Brenda, of De Leon; daughter, Rhonda Huddleston of Granbury; son, Joe Bob Huddleston and wife, Laurie, of Lake Leon; granddaughters, Haley Young and husband, Brett, Whitney Kolb and husband, Kevin, Lindsey George and husband, Greg, and Erica Walker; grandson, Zane Walker; greatgrandchildren, Kinlee and Kellen Young, Kamryn, Atley, Saylor and Parker Kolb, and Della George; nephew, Don Holdridge and wife, Joni, and nieces, Sherry Taylor and husband, Larry Joe, and Carolyn Mathews and other extended family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Madie Huddleston; parents-in-law, Garland and Odette Bell; brother, Joe Berl Huddleston; sisters, Merle Holdridge, Louise Clark, and Billie Woods; nephew, Bill Clark; niece, Angela Brogden; brothers-in-law, Fred Holdridge, Othell Clark, George Brogdon, and Brownie Woods; and nephew-in-law, Benny Mathews.
Funeral services celebrating Bob’s life were held Friday, July 16, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Dr. Daniel Harper and Brother Daryl Hirst officiating. Graveside committal followed in De Leon Cemetery. Honoring Bob as pallbearers were Joe Burnett, Greg George, Toby Hare, Kevin Kolb, Gary Lacy, Zane Walker, Brett Young, and Kellen Young. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Mike Burk, Lannes Callison, Dr. Forest Eisenrich, Don Holdridge, Bobby Schuman, Neil Singleton, Larry Joe Taylor, Kenneth Wilson, and Jim Womack.
If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to Foster’s Home for Children at 1779 N. Graham Street, Stephenville, Texas 76401 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Bob and his love for children. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.