Judge Bruce C. Huffman Obituary (1925

Bruce Coyle Huffman died Friday, January 18, 2013 at the age of 87. He spent his youth in Ashland, Ohio with his parents Coyle and Watha (Eckelberger) before settling in Clyde, the hometown of his sweetheart Madeline June Scheerer. His family is proud of his accomplishments. His guidance and unremitting love will be sorely missed. Bruce served his Country in World War II and the Korean conflict, first enlisting in the spring of 1943 at age 17. He was commissioned after completing the Navy's V12 officers program, and spent time in post war Japan before returning to the states to obtain his law degree from Ohio State University in 1947. Lieutenant Huffman was recalled to active duty in 1951 and stationed at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, FL. Bruce returned to Clyde, opening a law practice with the late Clarence Homan, Esq., partnering until his appointment to the Common Pleas bench in 1970. He had served as Clyde's legal advisor (1954 - 1967) and as county judge (1966 - 1970). He retired from the bench in 1985, having been elected to two terms without opposition, a testament to the respect he held among the bar and public. He continued serving as a visiting Judge for many years in various northwest Ohio counties. He will be remembered as an honorable and capable jurist. Imbued with a pragmatic legal mind and a gift for witty storytelling, lawyers routinely tell of his ability to open dialogue or diffuse tense negotiations with a humorous anecdote or joke, often with a bit of flavor. His retirement led to wintering in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, a seaside town where he was simply known as "Judge." He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Clyde and the Fremont Country Club. Bruce was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 64 years, June, and by their grandson, Ian Coyle Huffman and son-in-law, Barrett Nefores. He is survived by their son John (Maureen) Huffman, and daughter, Patricia Sue Nefores, and her two children, Jason and Nikolas. His brother John W. (Betty) Huffman and his sister Jean Louis Huffman also survive. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Rutherford House, Countryside Continuing Care, and Memorial Hospice, and especially Larry and Karen Cronin. The world is a better place because of you. Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8pm Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home, 218 South Main Street, Clyde. His funeral service will be 10:30am Friday, January 25, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Clyde. Rev. Ray Kovach will officiate and burial will follow in McPherson Cemetery. Military graveside services will be provided by the Clyde VFW and American Legion. Memorial donations can be made to the Clyde First United Methodist Church or Charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.auxterfuneralhomes.com Visitation Date: 01/24/2013 Visitation time: 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM Visitation Location: Mitchell-Auxter Funeral Home - 218 South Main Street, Clyde Funeral Date: 01/25/2013 Funeral Time: 10:30am Funeral Location: First United Methodist Church - 510 West Maple Street, Clyde