Dr. John William Huffman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, compassion, and faith that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born on October 10, 1951, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Max Leon Huffman and June Darlene (Moses) Huffman, John graduated from Central High School in 1969.  At sixteen, he met the love of his life, Josie Rock. Their bond grew into 52 years of marriage filled with joy, devotion, and unwavering partnership. Together they built a family of three children rooted in love, humor, and resilience.

John proudly served 28 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as a flight surgeon for F-111 Aardvark operations.

Encouraged by his mentor, Dr. Alfred Tria, John pursued a career in healthcare, earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College and completing his residency at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. As an orthopedic surgeon, he combined exceptional skill with kindness and humor that comforted every patient he treated.

At Cox Branson, colleagues and patients honored him annually with “Dr. Huffman’s Day” on his birthday; a reflection of his joyful spirit and the countless lives he touched.  Beyond medicine, you could find John with a fishing pole in hand and a mischievous joke in tow. His humor, always clever and often contagious, was a defining gift, passed naturally to his children and grandchildren.

When faced with multiple cancers, John met it with courage and grace. His faith deepened profoundly as he served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where he and Josie shared their devotion side by side.

He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine Huffman; daughter Alyssa and her son Duke; son Tyler and his wife Alexa and their children Parker, Addison, and Graham; daughter Ashley and her husband Brandon Phillips and their son Lane; and his sister, Karen, wife of the late Richard Whittington.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole St, Springfield, Missouri, with the Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3555 S. Fremont Ave, Springfield, Missouri followed by burial with full military honors at 1:00 p.m., at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd, Springfield, Missouri.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.

I am going to prepare a place for you.”

— John 14:1–2 (NABRE)

Dr. Huffman’s life was one of service, faith, and joy; a remarkable journey marked by love, laughter, and grace that will echo forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.