Edgar Kelsey Huff

Edgar ("Ed") Huff passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024 in Grove, OK at the age of 92. Ed was born in PA to Edgar and Cordelia (Kelsey) Huff but spent all of his childhood growing up in the coastal town of Long Branch, NJ.
At the age of 20 Ed began Basic Training in the United States Air Force. Ed served his country in both Germany and France during the Korean War working as a Radar Technician. This would lead to his lifetime career working as an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. Ed served as a Controller during one of the most significant events in all of air traffic: The Air Traffic Controller Strike of 1981. He soon became recognized by those in the field for his expertise, his critical thinking skills and his ability to remain calm under intense pressure. In 1986 he earned his position as the Chief Controller in Springfield, M0; the highlight of his career.
In addition to his passion for aeronautics, Ed also had many other varied interests and hobbies, each one he approached with the same attention to detail and skill. He loved boating, camping, gardening, woodworking, riding horses, driving his tractor and working at his computer. After retirement he and his wife Nelrena traveled all over the US in their RV, spending several winters in sunny Arizona. Ed loved many styles of music ranging from classical to country. His favorite musician was Johnny Cash. While overseas he bought a Martin guitar for $20 and taught himself to play, eventually mastering several Johnny Cash hits. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Cordelia (Kelsey) Huff; his brother, Thomas Huff; sister, Shirley Lippincott; and his ex-wife, Nell Pauline (Smith) Huff.
Ed is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nelrena Huff; his children and their spouses: David and Penny (Maxfield) Huff of Smithville, MO, Steven and Teri (Yount) Huff of Choctaw, OK, Jeff and Patty (Howard) Huff of Springdale, AR and his daughter Susan Upham and her husband (David) of Rogers, AR. He also leaves behind his stepchildren Steve and Linda Wilson of Joplin, MO, Julie Eller of Grove, OK and Steve and Mary McFall of Grove, OK. Ed is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Only days before his death he got the happy news of another great-grandson's birth. Ed loved animals, especially horses and dogs. Unbelievably, Ed's 17-year-old Yorkie pal "Peanut" passed away only hours after his death. It gives us comfort and peace knowing they are united again.
Ed's Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, 2:00pm, November 23, 2024 at Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Chapel, 722 N. 46th St., Grove, OK with Full Military Honors. Ed's service will conclude in the Chapel.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 722 N. 46th St., Grove, OK. 74344 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.
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