Norman Huff, 88, of Bluford, Illinois sat aside his toolbelt and joined his loved ones in Heaven on February 1, 2025. Norman was born on the 9th of June 1936 to Ralph and Opal (Bruce) Huff in Bluford, Illinois. He and his sister, Joan (Shafer) spent their childhood seeking the thrills of country life and savoring treats on the old front porch swing.
At the age of 16, Norman humbly graduated from Webber Township (Bluford) High School in 1952 and pursued a degree in Drafting from Chicago College ITT where he completed his coursework and correspondence through the mail. Following graduation, Norman enlisted in the U.S. National Guard in 1959 proudly serving his Nation with dignity and purpose. Before being honorably discharged in 1965, Norman married Peggy Blankenship on August 3, 1963 and they raised three beautiful daughters who brought a lifetime of unconditional love and happiness. Norman and Peggy shared fifty-two precious years together.
Norman had a love for his fast cars, repairing small engines, NASCAR, and sports. Although his true love was carpentry. Norman took extreme pride in his work as a carpenter with Lipps Construction where he retired with over forty years of honing the trade. The level of perfection and detail in his craftsmanship was his signature and legacy. Norman was also a Master Mason for nearly sixty years and an avid competitor in the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association, bringing home the state title in 1973 and 1974. There was never a question he couldn’t answer, anything he couldn’t fix, a stranger he ever met or an enemy he ever made.
In his 88 years of life, Norman was surrounded by endless love with his daughters, Karmen “Michelle” Lowery, Gay Lynn Huff, both of Bluford, Illinois, Tonya (Mike) Eubanks of Woodlawn, Illinois; grandchildren, Andria Clarke of Shiloh, Illinois, Tyler Lowery of Benton, Illinois, Whitney (Bert) Walker of Mount Vernon, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Brennon and Wrenley Walker of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Sawyer Clarke of Shiloh, Illinois; sister, Joan Shafer of Bluford, Illinois; sister-in-law, Diana Hirons of Bluford, Illinois; special nephew, Chad Hirons of Bluford, Illinois.
Norman was welcomed into Heaven by his wife, Peggy; daughter, Michelle; parents, Ralph and Opal; brother-in-law, Dean Shafer.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Norman’s honor to one of his most supported charities such as Tunnel to Towers, St. Judes Research Hospital, or the American Diabetes Association.
Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.