In Remembrance Of
Chuck Huffman
Charles Earl Huffman, better known as Chuck, age 69, embarked on his final adventure on Saturday January 6th, 2024 after his battle with cancer.
Chuck was a loving father, husband, son, brother and beaming grandpa. He is survived by his wife Martha Huffman, daughters Gayla Goleman (Aaron Goleman) and Rachael Huffman (Miles Strombach), grandson Owen Goleman, mother Vera Huffman, and sister Suzette Nesbitt-Walker (Jeff Walker), as well as many honorary “rent-a-kids”. He was preceded in death by his father Perry Huffman.
Chuck was a gregarious, fun man and friend to many. He worked as a Chemical Engineer for Bayer for 37 years before retiring in 2019. His engineering background shaped how he thought about the world and tackled problems. Always a lover of adventure, he also spent many years as a white-water rafting guide on the New River Gorge in West Virgina on the weekends; in no small part, because of his ability to engineer his own paddle attachment for his hook. He also found creative ways to change his grandson’s diaper and feed a wiggly infant one-handed. The sun paled in comparison to his smile when he was holding his Owen.
Chuck always encouraged us to view the world with childlike wonder and never let someone tell you that you couldn’t follow your dream. He had never met a stranger and was notorious for starting projects and, as many friends who got roped into these can attest, assumed the role of “supervisor” for these adventures. He loved woodworking and was so proud of the projects he worked on through the KC Woodworkers’ Guild. He was a masterful storyteller; when Chuck told a story, the room stopped to listen. He was a kind, patient, loving, thoughtful man whose jolly spirit will be incredibly missed.
Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 9th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville.
Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 10th at Grace Episcopal Church in Liberty, MO.
Burial: Paradise Cemetery, Smithville, MO.
Donations may be made to KC Hospice.
Share on Social
Service Details
Comments & condolences
25 comments
Timothy Goodner
I just wanted to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Huffman and his family. While I was in a point of transition in my life, and had no idea where I was headed in life, he and his family were gracious and hospitable to me. They brought me into their home and treated me better than I treated myself. I hope the family knows that he has a long-reaching impact and will be remembered as a kind generous man.
Liz Ellis Durant
Dear, Martha, Gayla, and Rachel, I’m so sorry to hear about Chuck’s passing. You and Chuck were such a big and important part of Justin’s young life. You all were such a fun family! Love and miss you. You are all in my prayers
Mona preuss
What a lovely obituary. I’m remembering the evening at my house…the only time I was with Chuck. What a nice memory it is. It’s those loving memories shared by everyone who knew and loved Chuck that will sustain in the days ahead.
Carolyn & William Forsyth
Sorry for your loss
Jamie Smith
I’ll remember Chuck for his great personality and of course his unlimited joking. I always appreciate people that are easy to be around from the first time you met them. And this also was Chuck. It’s strange to think I won’t see him again. Love you Chuck.
Thinking of my dear friend Martha and her girls Rachel and Gayla every day. And of course wee Owen.
Amy Sanders
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Chuck will be missed by all who knew him.
William Franklin
Chuck, you will be sorely missed by those who have ever had a chance to get to know you. I enjoyed getting to know you and listening to your stories while we worked to ensure the Tech Plant Reporting continued to work and improve. Although the mass balance is physically deficient now, the weight of the knowledge you imparted and the lives you touched, will definitely tip in your favor. Enjoy your new adventure my friend!
Michael Dempsey
Chuck was very quick witted and loved a good play on words. He was also extremely intelligent and a great resource for all of us who asked his help. Chuck will be missed by many. His family can be proud of the person he was. Deepest condolences.
Dennis Hamilton
My condolences to the families. Chuck was a walking smile!
Jane Prewitt
Gayla, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts to loose a parent. In time the hurt will fade but it never goes away. Hold your memories close to your heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers dear friend.
Cliff Pugh
I am so sorry to learn of Chuck’s passing. He was an amazing person and I enjoyed working with him in Iron Oxide, New Martinsville WV Bayer plant. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones!
Lura Winkler
You are in my thoughts and prayers. He made working at Bayer much more interesting and lively and is missed very much!
Killion Tresa
Suzette, Jeff & family, we’re so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like an amazing guy! Praying for comfort and healing through this hard season of life.
Janice E. Albright
Remembering Chuck and Martha at my little church here in liberty. Always working for the benefit of others without any glory for themselves. I will be at Grace tomorrow depending on the road conditions. Much love to Martha and the family.
Tom Ash
A wonderful friend I’ll never forget!
Dennis Federoff
I first met Chuck working in Muskegon and was fortunate to work again with him here In Kansas City. What a genuine and honest soul he was. His no gruff attitude and good spirits endeared him to us all. We missed him when he retired and will miss him even more now.
I was blessed to have known him. God Bless you Martha and your family. You are all in my prayers.
Dennis Federoff
I first met Chuck working in Muskegon for Bayer and was fortunate to work again with him here In Kansas City. What a genuine and honest soul he was. His no gruff attitude and good spirits endeared him to us all. We missed him when he retired and will miss him even more now.
I was blessed to have known him. God Bless you Martha and your family. You are all in my prayers.
Barb skoglund
I am thinking of your family at this time and what kind and gracious people you are. Chuck was so fun and such a magnetic personality he will be missed.
John Tulley
Did not know Chuck personally but only from Henry’s description. Loved the obituary therefore. Whitewater rafting -WOW. Thinking of you and wishing you our condolences
Sandy Littrell
So sorry to hear about Chuck. He was always so funny at his visits to the pharmacy. Hello to Martha and girls. Sandy Littrell
J. Ellis
Chuck was the first father figure I can remember having in my life aside from my grandpa. He taught me everything from the importance of reading non stop, to if you like a girl buy her flowers. I tell my boys stories all the time about the dad I never had, but in reality I did. I’m thankful for every moment I got to spend with Chuck and your family. I love you all.
Leah Bassin
The loss of Chuck leaves such a void in so many lives. May memories of Chuck bring peace in your hearts.
Marilyn Truesdale
He will always be remembered as an integral part of our lives. A kind intelligent humorous man who brought joy into the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know Chuck. He is already missed.
Ronda McQuerrey
My deepest sympathy to Chuck’s family and friends. Martha, you’re in my daily prayers dear friend.
Carol Jackson
Wonderful person, who helped create a great family.