Robert Dean Huffman

Robert Dean Huffman, age 86, of West Jefferson, Ohio passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. Dean was born February 24, 1930 in Logan County of the late Robert E. and Leta M. (Drake) Huffman. A graduate of West Mansfield High School in 1948, he joined the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a graduate of the 39th Class of the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1953. His first assignment was Greenville. He moved to Delaware in 1956 followed by Cincinnati in 1963. He served at Cincinnati and West Jefferson (previously London) as a Corporal and became a Sergeant in 1969. He assumed command of the West Jefferson (previously London) post in 1969 as a Lieutenant. He was promoted and reassigned to the Bucyrus district headquarters where he remained from 1970 to 1973 as an assistant commander. As a Captain he commanded the Findlay district from 1973 to 1975 and the Columbus district from 1975 to 1982. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1982 and placed in charge of personnel operations. He graduated from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and the police executive development course at Pennsylvania State University, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Ohio Dominican College in 1981. Following his retirement in 1985, he became Executive Director of the State Highway Patrol Retirement System until 1998. He then worked part time at National Road Golf Course. He delivered Meals on Wheels and was a dedicated member of the Good Samaritan Food Pantry in West Jefferson. He was a long time member of the United Methodist Church in West Jefferson, serving as Trustee for several years. Preceeded in death by his parents, brother Dale, son-in-law Tony, and loving wife of 54 years, Phyllis Kathleen. He is survived by 4 children, Jeff (Gayle) Huffman, Matt (Valerie) Huffman, Carol (Tim) Grice, and Rita Huffman, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and special friend Carole Sue Ames. Family and friends may call 4-8 p.m. THURSDAY at the RADER-MCDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 West Main Street, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162 (614)-879-9222. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 at the West Jefferson United Methodist Church, 36 South Center Street, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162 with Pastor Ruth Pribe, officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, West Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Jefferson United Methodist Church or Loving Care Hospice.