William D. “Bill” Huffman

William D. “Bill” Huffman, 93, Palmyra, Mo., passed away peacefully at his home at 6:32 a.m., Friday, June 11, 2021.

Bill was born Oct. 7, 1927, in Melbourne, Mo., to Glenn Oleath Huffman and Sarah Jennie (Shepherd) Huffman. He was married to Donna D. Cooper on Nov. 5, 1971, in Palmyra. She preceded him in death on Feb. 2, 2005.

Survivors include one daughter, Jean (Jim) McBride; four granddaughters, Jennifer (Patrick) Murphy, Josie (Kevin) Durham, Katrina (Bill) Guthrie and Amanda (Dwayne) McBride; one grandson, Seth (Kayla) McBride; 10 great-grandchildren, Bryce Webb, Kalli Gordanier (Logan Scholl), Lexie Gordanier, Masen Egbert, Deirdre (Shiva) Copaeman, Logan Murphy, Madelyn Durham, Meredith Durham, Logan McBride and Maggie McBride; and one great-great-grandchild, Leonardo Copaeman.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his two daughters, Rita Pauline Brown; one sister, Bonnie Ruth Ratliff; one daughter, Rebecca Ann (Huffman) Schmidt; and very close friend, Jean Harrison.

Professionally, Bill was the general superintendent for the Palmyra Board of Public Works for many years, as well as serving multiple terms as the mayor of Palmyra. He also owned and operated his own electrical company where he installed wiring in houses throughout Palmyra and the surrounding area.

Later in life, Bill volunteered at the Palmyra Food Pantry, delivered meals for the Palmyra Nutrition Center and served on the Board of Directors for Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra. Bill was also past-president and a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club in Palmyra. 

In Bill’s free time, he loved to work in his yard and flower garden. He enjoyed a well-manicured yard and was very picky about what his yard looked like. 

He also enjoyed small wood working projects, fishing and dancing. Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 17, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. Rev. Mark Carpenter will officiate. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.

Pallbearers will be Bryce Webb, Masen Egbert, Logan Murphy, Seth McBride, Patrick Murphy and Logan Scholl.

Honorary pallbearers are Steve Mast, Kevin Kuper, Pam Hess and Ed Hess.

Friends and family are invited to Bill’s life celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, June 16, at the funeral chapel.

Memorials are to be made to the Palmyra Nutrition Center or the Palmyra Food Pantry.

Online condolences may be made at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.