Duane K. Huggett

Duane K. "Ken" Huggett, 56, of Marshall died on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Oaklawn Hospital after a lengthy illness. Ken was born on November 16, 1953, in Marshall to Russell S. and Faye (McCoy) Huggett, Sr. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1971. His marriages to Terri Quigly (deceased), Christine Boughton and Nita Balch all ended in divorce. On April 11, 2010, he married his long-time girlfriend Theresa Chaney in Marshall. She survives. Ken joined the family business, Huggett Construction, learning the carpentry trade from his grandfather, father and uncle. He became a union carpenter and later operated his own maintenance and repair business, specializing in finish carpentry, until he became disabled due to illness in 2008. Ken's passions in life were golf, music, and hunting. He was an avid musician and played guitar and was the lead singer in many different bands including Legend, Down 'n Dirty, Muscadine, Sky Hygh and Huggett and Kiss it. He played golf 2-3 times per week with friends from the Moose, F&U and Boystown, or with anyone with tee-times. Ken's favorite birthday was one where he could go deer hunting in the morning and golfing in the afternoon. He was a former member of the Marshall Moose Lodge #676. Ken enjoyed trips with his family to South Haven. He and Theresa had a special bluff where they enjoyed playing music together as they overlooked Lake Michigan. Every trip included a walk along the beach to the pier and the threat of Theresa getting thrown into the cold water of Lake Michigan. Theresa usually escaped the threat, but the children were not nearly so lucky. After learning of his cancer Ken found great joy in planning his annual Jam for the Cure, and the opportunity to raise money to find a cure for cancer. He was a participant in the Relay for Life Event and was extremely honored to be chosen as this year's honorary chair. He had already made his Relay walking stick and had practiced his "Grand Poobah" walk. He is survived by his wife Theresa of Marshall, daughter Alicia Huggett of Marshall, son Ryan Huggett of Marshall, two step-daughters Amanda Willerick and Caitlyn Willerick, also of Marshall. He is also survived by sister Janice (Huggett) Sabrouch of Hardeeville, SC, three nephews and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Russell "Rusty" Huggett Jr. Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Monday from 2-8pm with family present to greet friends from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 11am on Tuesday at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services with band member Tom Sharp leading the ceremony. A private family interment will take place at Austin Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Relay for Life Jam for the Cure or to the Calhoun County Relay for Life. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.