"To the family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to end all suffering. Before long, God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and ?death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away.?(Rev. 21:3,4). May this promise from God give you comfort now and a real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy."
In loving memory of
Harlan LuVerne Huffaker
April 26, 1928 - February 29, 2020
Harlan LuVerne Huffaker, 91, of Baxter, Iowa passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Pella Comfort House. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Bethany United Church of Christ in Baxter, Iowa. His funeral will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany United Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery in Baxter, Iowa.
Harlan was born on April 9, 1928 in Ira, Iowa to Cecil and Maude (Sutton) Huffaker. He attended country school west of Baxter. After school, Harlan began working with his grandpa on the family farm. By the age of 18 he had saved up enough to buy his first truck and began hauling loads. Harlan enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was injured in battle and spent many months in the Tokyo hospital before returning home. In 1950, after his honorable discharge, he returned to Iowa and moved to his current home in rural Baxter. He married Marjorie Jackson and to this union three children were born. In 1965 he married Barbara Carl and to this union two children were born. Harlan worked for Donald Johnston, Baxter Construction, Juel Truck Line, before starting Huffaker Trucking in 1968. Harlan continued to work right up until he went into hospice care. He hauled thousands of tons of coal and rock over the years serving all of Central Iowa. Harlan was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ and drove the Sunday School bus for many years, Korean War Veteran's Association, and was a supporter of the National Law Enforcement Officers. He enjoyed spending time with his family, trucking, working at Huffaker Trucking, going to his Grandmother's on Sunday in his younger years, and taking Sunday drives.
Harlan is survived by his children Neil (Debra) Huffaker, Karla (Roy) Tolman, David (Michelle) Huffaker, and Stewart (Heike) Huffaker; grandchildren Angela (John) Morris, Jason Huffaker, Michael (Roxanne) Huffaker, Jodi (Tony) Walter, Dustin (Lynn) Huffaker, Terra (Thomas) Tolman, Robbi (Breanna) Tolman, and Krissy Huffaker; 11 great-grandchildren, brothers Donnie Huffaker and Larry (Tesha) Huffaker; sisters Carolyn Bishop and Martha Bucklin; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Harlan LuVerne Jr., sisters Donna Martin and Gwendolyn Spearing; brothers-in-law Paul Spearing and Tommy Bucklin.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Harlan and his family.
Tributes
"Prayers are going UP for the Huffaker family. Harlan was a very kind, & ornery man. He will certainly be missed. May the Lord touch and heal your broken hearts, blessing you with His comfort, and peace that surpasses all understanding.
Debra Slings, BaxterVille, Ia "
"My sympathy to Harlan's family.... I've known Harlan my whole life. J.E. Patterson, Collins, Iowa "
"Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the friends and family of Harlan Huffaker."
"So sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to your heart. Connie"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Huffaker family. Harlan was one of my Dad's best friends and I'm so sorry for your loss. He had Cecil's laugh, smile and sense of humor for sure. He was a good man and will be missed. "
"Thoughts and Prayers to Family and Friends. He will be well missed by all. Uncle Harlan may you R.I.P."
"Harlan was such a pleasant man to serve at the diner when I worked there. Always soooooo sweet when I ran into him at Kountry Korner or when he delivered rock to us.....he'll be truly missed."