Dr. Thomas Joe Huddleston

Dr. Thomas Joe Huddleston, of Park Hills, MO, entered into rest on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the age of 87 years. 6 months, and 25 days. He was born February 7, 1938, in Vulcan, MO, a son of the late Clifton David and Nell (Talley) Huddleston. On June 1, 1957, Tom was united in marriage to Uyvonne (Dinkins) Huddleston who survives. To this union, a daughter Cheryl Snead (Tom) was born and survives. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Cassie Marshall and husband Dale, and Brett Sneed, three great-grandchildren, Emily, Jenna, and Grant; a brother Don Huddleston and wife Mary of Spartanburg, SC, and many more loving family members and friends. He is preceded in rest by his parents, a brother, David Huddleston, and a half-sister Blanche. Dr. Huddleston had an exciting and impactful career in education throughout his life. After graduating from high school and helping lead the South Iron basketball team to their first State Championship game in 1956, he worked for Boeing and Yellow Transit. He then went on to attain his PhD in Philosophy of Education. He became Superintendent of several schools, South Iron School District, Pattonville School District, North County School District, and Pike County R-3 School District; he also coached at South Iron during his time there. While being Superintendent for these schools, he made a lasting impact in both the lives of students and teachers, which is evident in the many awards and accolades he achieved in his career, one of them being the Pinnacle Award from MOASBO. Once Dr. Huddleston found time to retire, he stayed busy with his many hobbies, clubs, family gatherings, and just being him. He was a 50-year Mason, a member of the SEMO Seniors, an avid golfer and member of the St. Francois County Country Club, coached AAU basketball for his granddaughter, helped his daughter Cheryl coach Special Olympic basketball in Farmington, taught his granddaughter how to play golf at five years old, loved to fish with his grandkids, loved to deer hunt, loved travelling with his wife, Uyvonne and became "Snowbirds", was an avid South Iron fan, and a faithful member of the Vulcan Assembly of God. Dr. Thomas Huddleston was a loving and devoted father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, community member, and friend. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm from the Cole Family Chapel. A Visitation for friends and family to gather will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am and lasting until 1:00 pm from the Cole Family Chapel. Interment will follow the services in the Annapolis Cemetery. Pastor Rocky Goode will be officiating the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Iron Memorial Scholarship or the Annapolis Cemetery Association.