Obituary for Roy Dale Huggins

Roy Dale Huggins passed away Monday, January 17, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Roy was born November 27, 1926 and proudly lived in Olathe, Kansas his entire life. Roy attended Olathe High School; completing twelve years of education with the same class he began his academic career with in kindergarten. Roy was a prolific athlete; playing on the football, basketball, and baseball teams, and was a highly proficient pitcher. Roy was a constant and devoted patriot and answered the call to serve his country, joining the Marines in 1944 spending time in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to his home in Olathe. Roy had the opportunity to attend college in Ft. Scott, Kansas to play football after his return from military service, but after a brief college career, chose instead, to return to the city he loved and coach little league baseball. Roy did have the opportunity to try out for professional baseball, but he chose not to leave the city and the family he adored. Roy met and fell in love with Patsy Lee Williams at a wedding of a mutual friend, and the two married in 1948. Together the two had four sons, losing the eldest son, Willie, at age three to Polio. Roy was a dedicated worker and was employed at Water District Number 1 of Johnson County in Shawnee Mission for 30 years. He was Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance upon his retirement in 1992, having never taken a single day of sick leave. Roy was a member of First Baptist Church of Olathe for the entire duration of his life. Personal convictions towards hard work, devotion, and integrity earned him great respect in the community that he loved. He was happiest surrounded by his family, enjoying simple joys in life; like planting a garden, telling stories, laughing, family meals, and cooking chili. He could be found in his recliner next to the fire, his loving wife his mirror image on the other side, sitting in his sunroom, driving his Cushman, and spending time with his family at every opportunity.

He is survived by his bride of 63 years Patsy Lee Huggins, three sons Robert (Bob) Huggins and his wife Ramona (Mona) Huggins, Edwin (Ed) Huggins and his wife Sandra (Sandy) Huggins, and Mark Huggins and his wife Karen; eight grand children and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and all of whom adored him in return, as well as numerous extended family. Roy received constant, wonderful care at Olathe Medical Center’s Critical Care Unit, for which the family is grateful. Roy passed from this world holding his loving wife’s hand, moved into the arms of his Lord and saw His face, beheld his eldest son Willie for the first time in 59 years, finally welcomed to Paradise by his siblings and parents.

Services to honor the life of Roy Dale Huggins will be Thursday January 20, 2011 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Olathe, Kansas 2024 E 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062, followed by a visitation and luncheon. Because of Roy’s devotion to his community, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Roy’s name can be made to First Baptist Church Food Ministries.