Robert Earl Huffman, Sr

Daleville...Robert Earl Huffman, Sr., 80, resident of Daleville, passed away at St. Johns Medical Center, April 16, 2011.He was born in Daleville, February 18, 1931, the son of Merriel J. and Viola McKinsey Huffman.He was a 1949 graduate of Daleville High School and enlisted in the US Navy becoming a hospital corpman attatched to the 5th Division Fleet Marines based in Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.He recieved the three star service ribbon, United Nations Service medal and National Defense Medal.In 1952 he married Patricia Griffis in San Diego, CA. They had nearly 59 wonderful years together.He was Past Commander of American Legion Post 446, former president of the Daleville Lions Club, a Veteran of US Navy in the Korean Conflict and attended the Daleville United Methodist Church.He retired from Ball State University maintenance department in 1998. He had previously been a building contractor and attended BSU after being in the military.He worked at Davis Orchard while attending school and was employed at Warner Chemical Company in Muncie for several years.He was a family man, putting his wife and children first ahead of any activity and loved family get- togethers, camping, fishing, hunting and gardening.Survivors include his wife: Pat of Daleville, four terrific children Robert ""Bob"" Huffman, Jr. of Daleville, Merriel ""Mick"" Huffman (Sheila) of Pendleton, Vada Sue ""Susie"" Cockrill (Steve)of Daleville and Lee Huffman (Kim) of Swanee, GA, 7 grandchildren: Jessica Mitchell, Joshua Huffman, Dawn (Mike) Lively, Jenny Cockrill, Nate Cockrill Matt Huffman and Beth Huffman, 4 great grandchildren: Phoenix Huffman, Trent Kreegar, Allyson Lawrence, and Cadence Lively. A fifth great grandchild is expected in the Lively family soon. 1 sister: Roberta Vermillion of Daleville, several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers: George, John, Scott, and Albert, 2 sisters: Thelma and Ruby and 2 grandsons: Anthony Cockrill and James Huffman.Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2:00 PM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 8212 South Walnut Street, Daleville.Entombment with Military Rights will be held at Miller Cemetery, east of Middletown.Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-8 PM at the funeral home.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.comMemorials to Daleville United Methdoist Food Bank.