Hubert F. Huggins

Hubert F. Huggins Obituary 10-24-1925 03-19-2011 Hubert F. (Fred) Huggins, 85, peacefully passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011, at his home in Natchitoches, LA. with his wife, Polly and youngest son Bill by his side. Hubert was born in Meridian, MS, and was the first of three generations to serve in the military for his country. As a young man who only finished the 8th grade, he really wanted to be a solider. After several failed attempts to enlist because he was color blind and too young, Hubert was determined to keep trying to become part of the military family. His persistence paid off; he joined the U.S. Army in Alexandria and took basic training in El Paso, TX. He served in the European Theatre in World War II under Gen. Patton in the 6th Armored Division at the age of 18 as a combat engineer. He would later join the Air Force at Barksdale and was sent to Keesler, MS, for B-25 training. That was the beginning of a long career in the military with service during the Korean Conflict and 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. His service awards included the World War II European Campaign Medal and 3 Vietnam Campaign Medals. He served in the Army and Air Force for 30 years before retiring as a senior master sergeant. He was particularly proud that his two oldest sons retired from the U.S. Army after distinguished careers and his oldest grandson is now a major serving in the U.S. Army. After the military, he eventually moved to Natchitoches and worked for the U.S. Postal Service delivering mail to Cloutierville and the surrounding communities. Hubert was a devoted member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was commander of the VFW Post 1962 at various times from 1987-2004 and received the “All American Commander” award for 2004. He was the Area B Commander for the American Legion 8th District and a member of the Lion’s Club. He enjoyed visiting area nursing homes and helping the VFW with bingo. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Fisher; two brothers, J. W. Huggins and Rayford Huggins; parents, Vernon Mitchell Huggins and Laura Bell Blalock Huggins. Survivors include his wife of 63 years Georgia P. ‘Polly’ Huggins of Natchitoches, La.; his children, daughter, Tami Huggins Wallace and husband John of Natchitoches, La.; four sons, Nelson Frederick Huggins and wife Karen of Greenville, NC, Vernon Michael Huggins and wife Mary of Fort Walton Beach, Fl., Donald Ray Huggins and wife Susan of Bradenton, Fl., and Joseph William Huggins of Natchitoches, La.; nine grandchildren, Terrie Schexnaider and husband Joey, Sean Huggins and wife Marcella, Christy Cook and husband Jim, Julie DeVore and husband Jeff, Scott Huggins, David Huggins and wife Christine, Jenny Cardinelli and husband Ronnie, Hailiey Huggins, and David Austin Wallace; fourteen great grandchildren; two sisters, Edna Wangenstien of Natchitoches, La. and Gladys Hinkle of Apple Valley, Ca.; one brother, Charles Huggins and wife Betty of Natchitoches, La. The family will receive friends at the wake on Thursday, March 24th, from 5 PM until 9 PM at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. The funeral service will be held at 2 PM. on Friday, March 25th, in Blanchard St. Denis Chapel with Rev. Tommy Rush officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Lawn Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers will be John ‘Red’ Wallace, Dr. Pete Wardell, Justin Rhodes, James Rhodes, Phillip Byles, Josh Manotas, and Rodice Dubois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Lions Club Summer Camp. Heartfelt and special thanks go to doctors, nurses, and the employees of The Courtyard and Heather Roberts of Hospice of Natchitoches for their love and care. Married 4/5/1947