Robert W. Huntington

Robert Wesley Huntington O.D., 87, passed away Feb. 20, 2010, at his home in Idaho Falls.

Dr. Huntington graduated from Osgood High School in Osgood, Ind., in 1940 and was employed as a telegraph operator by the B&O Railroad. He was promoted to train dispatcher in 1943. He served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps, being trained as an aerial gunner on both the B-17 and B-29. He served in the Japan Occupation Force from 1945 to 1946.

Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Clarice Marie Richey. He then enrolled in the Chicago College of Optometry in 1947 under the G.I. Bill and graduated with honors in 1950. In July 1951, he began his practice in Poplar Bluff, Mo., retiring in 1990.

Dr. Huntington served as president of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce in 1954 and as president of the Rotary Club in 1958. He was very active in the First Christian Church, serving as Elder for many years. He was appointed president of the Poplar Bluff Park Board in 1955 and served for the next 33 years. The Poplar Bluff Municipal Swimming Pool was named in his honor in 1975. The Missouri Parks and Recreation Council bestowed a citation of outstanding service award in 1991, and he was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

Following heart surgery, Dr. Huntington moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1993 to be near his family. He was fortunate to have several years of traveling, golfing, fishing and shooting hoops with his family.

Dr. Huntington's philosophy of life was the Golden Rule. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandad, and a loyal and generous friend.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Holly; wife, Marie; and son, Michael.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Janice G. Huntington; and his granddaughter, Heidi Jo Huntington.

Funeral services will be at a later date in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Local arrangements are under the direction of Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home in Idaho Falls.