David Verald Huckabay

David Huckabay passed away on June 26, 2019, at 96 years of age. He was born August 7, 1922, the oldest of four children. He graduated from Lafe High School in 1941. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served on a B-24 bomber in the European Theater in WWII. After the war, he graduated from the University of Arkansas with an engineering degree and worked in the aircraft industry for two years. He then returned to farming as his chosen profession, but also taught math and science at Lafe High School for 7 years. He retired from farming in 1984 and moved to a new home he built near Paragould. He and his wife, Bertha, enjoyed going to bluegrass festivals, traveling in their camper, and serving as volunteers for numerous church activities. He was named to the Veterans’ Hall of Fame at Greene County Tech in 1999 and was recognized in 2016 by the government of France for his role in liberation efforts during WWII. He was a devoted father, a loving grandfather, and a faithful servant of God.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Huckabay; by his parents, Odie and Mazie Huckabay, by his sister, Verla Gerdes; and by his brothers Odie Junior and Bill Huckabay.
Survivors include daughters Marcia Elizandro (David) and Catherine Larkins (Ron), stepson Farrel Roberts (Linda), and stepdaughter Jeanette Huffmaster (J.B.). He is also survived by eight grandchildren: David and Ashley Elizandro, Jack, Jeff, Jason, and Jared Huffmaster, Corrie Kienast, and Casey Gasper; by 15 great-grandchildren; and by an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Heath Funeral Home, 321 West Garland Street in Paragould. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday at Shiloh Methodist Church, 5811 West Kingshighway in Paragould, followed by interment at Corning Cemetery.
Pallbearers are David Elizandro, Jack Huffmaster, Jeff Huffmaster, Jason Huffmaster, Jared Huffmaster, and Jonathan Huffmaster. Honorary pallbearers include Corrie Kienast, Ashley Elizandro, Casey Gasper, Larry Huckabay and Gary Huckabay.
Memorial gifts to Shiloh Methodist Church, 5811 West Kingshighway, Paragould, AR 72450.