John Allen Huckman, Jr

John Allen Huckman, Jr, 75, died Friday, January 7, 2022 at Hot Springs Health in Thermopolis following a valiant battle with cancer.

Born August 18, 1946 in Hill County, Texas, he was one of four children of John and Daphine (Cleveland) Huckman, Sr.  Growing up in Victoria, TX, he was active in baseball and invited to try out in the minor league but the Vietnam War intervened.  He served in the US Navy from 1966-1970.  After his discharge he worked at the service station his Dad owned.  Upon his father’s sudden death he operated the station and Hertz rental car company.

In 1975 he married Denyse Mutschler.  To this union was born two sons.  The couple later divorced.  After the gas station John ranched in Texas, farmed in Kansas and worked for the Texas Federal Correction system as a jailer.

Moving to Wyoming in the early ‘90’s with his sons, Kris and Wes, he worked as a licensed real estate agent; owned Huck’s Deli; managed the VFW Club; operated his own lawn care business and ended his working career at the Thermopolis Hardware.

John married Karlene Schoenberger, May 10, 2003 in Thermopolis.  A member of Hot Springs Christian Church, he was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2281 serving one year as State Commander.  He was a member of American Legion Post 18 and served on the Hot Springs County Cemetery Board many years until the time of his death.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working cattle, camping and outdoor activities.

Family surviving include his wife, Karlene of 18 years; sons, Kristopher and Wesley Huckman; stepchildren, Matthew, Elizabeth and Tyler; sister, Brenda (Ron) Newton and four grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his parents, sister, Diane Huckman and brother, Ed Huckman.

Memorial services will be Saturday, January 22, 10:00 AM at Hot Springs Christian Church with Pastor Allen Hamon and Carl Garrison officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery with military rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Patriot Paws, which train service dogs specifically for veterans.  Their address:254 Ranch Trail, Rockwell, TX 75032 or online at patriotpaws.org.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.   Messages may be offered at www.mortfh.com.

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