Milton Oscar Huggs

1929 - 2018

Milton Oscar Huggs
November 29, 1929 - March 26, 2018

Milton Oscar Huggs was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Oscar and Viola, nee Rose, on November 29, 1929. Milt passed away peacefully on March 26, 2018, surrounded by the love of his family.

With a mother who worked full time and a father away in the service, Milt spent many happy childhood days at the Boys Club and in Boy Scouts. In 1944, at the age of fifteen, Milt and his mother moved to Bakersfield, Calif., where he lettered in football and track at East Bakersfield High School. It was there, during senior year drama class that Milt met his future wife, Doris Jeanne O'Dell.

In Fall 1948, Milt enlisted in the Navy. His service aboard the USS Boxer took him to Alaska and Hawaii, igniting a lifelong desire to explore the world. On leave in November 1948, Milt hitchhiked home to marry Doris. After an honorable discharge, Milt obtained his teaching credential. He taught alongside Doris until opening Milt's Coffee Shop on Armistice Day, November 11, 1964.

Milt was eternally grateful to both the suppliers who supported him those first crucial months by allowing him to operate on credit, and to his many faithful employees and loyal customers. With a busy restaurant open 24 hours a day, every day except for Christmas, Milt's family would often join him for dinner at the big corner booth just to catch a glimpse of him.

Milt opened two other restaurants, the Iron Horse and the Ranch Inn. Until his last few months, Milt kept an office at the coffee shop, showing up on occasions to bus tables, pour coffee, work the register and visit with the employees and customers who had become friends.

Milt was a visionary with the ability to combine hard work with pleasure. As much effort as he put into his businesses, he also devoted to caring for his family and enjoying his friends. Milt had a folder for each family member, full of magazine clippings, newspaper articles and notes with ideas and thoughts unique to each individual.

Ever the planner, Milt and Doris traveled the world numerous times while family at home lived vicariously through the detailed itineraries he left. A generous and loving husband, father, grandfather "Boompa" and great-grandfather, Milt shared his love of travel with his family, bringing them together on many occasions around the globe. He and Doris took each of their 7 grandchildren on "around the world" trips in their pre-teen years. Boompa's one regret was that he didn't have the chance to do the same for his great-grandchildren. To Milt, a broadened perspective was the greatest souvenir and he left a legacy of using travel as an introduction to the world.

Frustrated with long drives, Milt obtained his pilot's license, searching for a way to see more destinations. Milt and Doris cherished the time spent at their condos in Morro Bay and Mammoth. They enjoyed countless trips with friends throughout the years, whether it was to tennis tournaments or the far reaches of the globe. Milt was a lifelong learner who always sought the knowledge and wisdom others had to offer.

Throughout the years, Milt's gardens were places to be admired. His creative eye sparkled in every home and business he owned, with pond and waterfall projects, fruit and vegetable gardens and beautiful landscaping.

Milt actively participated in many organizations and groups. From the 20-30 Club to Strelich Stadium, the Bakersfield Boat Club, HEPS, Bakersfield Racquet Club, Stockdale Country Club, Bakersfield West Rotary, bridge groups, supporting the arts or time with his golfing buddies, Milt's creativity, attention to detail and sense of humor enriched the lives of everyone he encountered. He was a gracious and humble leader and friend, generous with his time and philanthropic involvement.

In a note discovered by family, Milt wrote, "My deep love for my family and concern for their well-being are at the top of the list of my life's ambitions. I have been happy if they are happy and the happiest times of my life have been seeing the successes of my children and grandchildren."

Each member of Milt's family can attest that the truth of these words are woven into the tapestry of our lives.

Milt is survived by the love of his life, Doris, with whom he exchanged "Huggs and Kisses" for more than 70 years; his children, Gayle Stevenson (Alan), Cheryl Saiki (Jim), and Mark Huggs (Alyce); his grandchildren Matthew Stevenson (Bella), Ellie Grover (Ed), Peter Stevenson, Megan Pierce (Doug), Joey Stevenson (Lauren), Molly Sowers, and Finn Huggs; great-grandchildren Tegan and Davie Grover, and Arley, Tulip and Maple Pierce; many cousins, great-nieces and nephews; and his special great-niece, Cynthia Farney, who took such loving care of him in his last months.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 13, at 10:30 A.M. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Bakersfield, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bakersfield West Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 9502, Bakersfield, Calif., 93489, or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, P.O. Bin 5J, Bakersfield, Calif., 93385.