Obituary of Lonnie Huff

Lonnie R. Huff of Salinas passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday, June 5th, 2010. Lonnie was born in Victoria, Texas on November 5th 1928. He was the only child of John W. Huff and Harriett L. Huff. He was the loving and devoted husband of Melva Huff and the proud father of Jim and Harriet. Lonnie grew up in Victoria Texas; and graduated with honors from Prairie View A&M College with a BA in Agriculture. He later received his MA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He married his soul mate Melva Gobert of Louisiana and the two of them embarked on a lifelong adventure together. His boyhood dream was to become a teacher; however, during college his focus changed to the military. Lonnie enlisted in the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Lonnie served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was the recipient of many military honors and accolades. During his military career he served in many roles. The project he enjoyed most was when he served as the Public Service Officer for the Bob Hope Christmas show in Vietnam. He was responsible for planning and coordinating the safety of the Hope Troupe while they performed at three show sites in Vietnam. In his last duty assignment, he served as Deputy Chief, Public Affairs, HQ. Sixth US Army, Presidio, of San Francisco. He was awarded the Legion of Merit upon retirement. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of dedicated service. He and his wife and children moved to the Salinas area where he returned to his second love, Teaching. Lonnie taught at Monterey Peninsula College and King Middle School for many years before retiring. He appeared in Who’s Who of America’s Teachers, nominated for Outstanding Teacher Educator of the Year and was a School Mentor for other Educators in his School District. Lonnie was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Spreckels. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He loved to bowl, watch old movies, walk and watch football. He was avid 49er and Wisconsin Badger football fan of which he and his son Jim were both alumni. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife, children and son-in-law. Lonnie will be missed in many ways that words cannot express. His smile would brighten any room and he was always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who asked. He made friends wherever he went. He is survived by his loving wife Melva Huff of Salinas, his daughter and son-in-law Harriet and Alvino Hernandez of Soledad. Lonnie was preceded in death by his son Jim Huff. He is also survived by many relatives in Texas and Louisiana and friends near and far who will miss him dearly