Floyd Huff

(From Parker Mortuary)

Elmer Floyd Huff, age 92, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at National Health Care of Joplin.

Floyd was born September 18, 1924 in Cliffy, Arkansas, son of the late Junior and Ruth Huff. He moved to Joplin as a child, and grew up in Joplin, graduating from Joplin High School. He enjoyed sports during high school, and after his service to our country the was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals farm system. He was very proud of this, but decided the pay wasn't enough to provide for his family. He always put them first, but still enjoyed playing baseball for local and semi-pro teams over the years.

Floyd was very proud of his country, and served in the United States Army during World War II with the 264th Infantry, 66th Panther Division where he became a squad leader and trained soldiers. He was a survivor of the S.S. Leopoldville, which was torpedoed on December 24, 1944 at midnight off the coast of France. He received an Oak Leaf Cluster for his service, and a bronze star, being discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Floyd's family was very proud of him, both for his courage during his service, but more so for the way he handled all this adversity for the next 72 years. He has proven himself to be a great provider, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and just a positive influence on all who knew him.

Floyd worked for Joplin Supply in sales, then Joplin Janitor Supply, before going to work for Consolidated Industrial Equipment. He worked with this company for 34 years.

After his service in the Army, he returned to Joplin and married Martha Coodey, and the couple enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage before he lost her on December 30, 2015. He was also preceded in death by a son, Donald "Don" Huff; and brothers, Stan, Donny, and Ellis Huff.

Survivors include his son, Rob Huff of Joplin; grandchildren, Jerry Johnson and wife Michelle, Scott Huff and Amanda, and Sarah Huff; great-grandchildren, Carter Johnson, Brooklyn Huff, Kinsley Huff, Mariah Hess, and Nevaeh Hess all of Silt, Colorado; sister-in-law, Cherry Huff of Joplin, several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Stone Cemetery with Pastor Richard Morris officiating.

The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the National Health Care of Joplin Recreation Fund.