Obituary

JULIAN "JULE" HUFFMAN
(March 31, 1924 - April 16, 2015)

Julian Robert “Jule” Huffman, 91 of Huntington, W.Va. passed away, Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Heritage Center, Huntington, W.Va. He was born March 31, 1924 in Cincinnati, OH. the son of the late, Leroy and Ceilia Silverman Huffman. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Glady’s V. Kramer Huffman; one daughter, Julie Huffman and one son-in-law, Lindsay Joel Cogar. He is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Nancy Lynn and Bob Palmer and Cynthia Ann Cogar and one son, Marvin Scott Huffman of Huntington, W.Va; one grandson, Jeremy Robert Huffman of Huntington, W.Va.  Originally hired in 1953 as a vocalist for the WSAZ daytime variety show, Coffee Time, Jule wore many hats in his 42 years with the seminal TV station. As well as his work as a singer, he directed, was an voice over announcer, did commercials, was a weatherman, & was in two kids shows prior to becoming Mister Cartoon. It was when he took over the reins as Mr. Cartoon in 1969, that Jule Huffman truly became a beloved & trusted icon in the Tri-State community. He loved children, & was dedicated to providing not just entertainment, but to giving kids a fun place they could go & be safe from an ever-changing society. He was adamant in his teaching of the fundamentals of life to them as well. Showing the kids that respect, patience, manners, & compassion were the cornerstones of a good life. He was a major part of the March Of Dimes Telethon every year locally, & was recognized personally by Jerry Lewis for his efforts. He is a member of three Hall Of Fames…The West Virginia Broadcasters HOF, The Huntington HOF, & the Western Hills High School HOF in Cincinnati. Jule was a man of deep faith, & was committed to his church. He was a loving husband & father, and was always the first to support & champion the lives of his family. He & wife, Gladys, were together for 70 years, & raised four children and a grandson,(that they adopted after the death of their daughter, Julia Jean). Jule was a member of both the Knights Templar & Scottish Rite Masonic Orders. He was Past Master of Huntington Lodge #53, AF & AM, Past High Priest of Huntington Chapter 6, RAM, and Past Commander of Commandery #9, KT. He was also the recipient of the Knights Templar Cross Of Honor. He served in The US Air Force in WWII, working as a aircraft repair & maintenance technician on a carrier in the South Pacific. A native of Cincinnati, Jule was an avid Reds & Bengals fan, & sang the National Anthem at several Reds games, as well as participating in many Reds Caravans. He loved golf & gardening. Most of all he loved to sing. He was always in demand in the Tri-State area to sing at a myriad of events. He never said no to an opportunity. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April, 23, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, Huntington, W.Va. with Rev. Skip Seibel and Rev. John Minahan officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville, W.Va. with Masonic Rites conducted by Masonic Lodge #53 Huntington and Military Honors by American Legion Post #139 Milton, W.Va. The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the church on Wednesday. The family would request, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to children’s programs & charities at First Presbyterian Church, WSAZ, The Scottish Rite & Knights Templar Masonic Orders of Huntington, & the March Of Dimes. Henson & Kitchen Mortuary, Huntington, W.Va. near Barboursville is caring for the family.