David Huddleston

David Marshall Huddleston, 72, died peacefully at Edgewood Vista Memory Care center on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's.

David had a remarkable and eclectic life. A humble and gentle man, he had a quick wit and good sense of humor. He was born in Norfolk, Va., in 1942. As the son of a decorated U.S. Navy commander, his formative years were spent growing up steeped in Navy culture – first in Norfolk, then the Philippines, Colorado Springs, Colo., (his father being assigned to the Joint Forces Command at Cheyenne Mountain) and finally Boston, where David gradated from Brookline High School. When his father retired from the Navy, the family – now with the full complement of four rowdy kids – relocated to Nashville, Tenn., to be close to both sets of grandparents.

David went to David Lipscomb College in Nashville and Harding University in Searcy, Ark., before following in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the Navy, where he spent four years serving his country with honor on the USS Enterprise and in Vietnam.

After his military service, he continued his studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, graduating with a degree in American civilization. He then spent time bicycle touring and living in Europe, and studying German language skills at the Goethe Institute in Germany.

He later moved to Montana to realize his longtime dream of once again living in the Rocky Mountains.

David was preceded in death by his equally remarkable and wonderful parents, U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Clifford and Evelyn Huddleston. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn of Missoula; son, Jonathan Huddleston (Rachel), Ian, Faith and Katie of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughter, Regina Renfroe (Brad), Annie, Abbie and Avyn of Summerville, S.C.; daughter, Alecia Goff, Aaron and Lydia Golie of Missoula; siblings, Julie Ashton (Tim) of Denham Springs, La., Elaine Mustain (Brian) of Urbana, Ill., Mark Huddleston (Jacqueline) of Powell River, British Columbia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

David loved his grandkids! Whether it was watching hockey games or orchestra concerts, putting together birdhouses, hiking in the mountains, poking around in the woods, holding a newborn, or coloring in the early morning, Pop was up for anything! He walked the floor with new grandbabies, singing them to sleep. It was also not unusual to see him dancing to music with them as they got older.

He was a man who had a gift of great faith with an unwavering trust in his Lord. He lived his life dedicated to his walk with God. He was quick to leave loved ones with a thoughtful blessing as they went on their way home or when ending a long-distance phone conversation. He was a true servant to others, whether it was lending a listening ear or helping his church with various labors. David was a long-standing member of the Garden City Church and attended services there until his disease made it too difficult. He considered the members there his brothers and sisters, and the church was a constant support to both David and Carolyn. Thank you, Pastor Bob and Dotty!

All of us dearly love him and will miss him terribly. Cremation arrangements are through Garden City Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Hospice of Missoula – they are true angels. A private memorial will be held.
Read David Huddleston's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.