Clarence Huffman

GRAND TOWER, Ill. -- Clarence Vivian "Alley-Oop" Huffman, 90, of Grand Tower passed away Sunday, July 29, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 8, 1922, at Grand Tower, to Fred Russell and Alma LaWanda Freeman Huffman.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Roxane and Gary Collins of Grand Tower; seven grandchildren and their significant others, Eric Kelley and Tina Mezo, Sheila and Brandon Myers, Heather Luna and Mike Fulford, Mandi Collins and Dave Heaster, Morgan and Kevin Iman, Rusty Huffman and Brandi Compton, John and Jacy Jackson; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jasmyn, Allie, Gage, Zoe, Jace and Rustyn; a daughter-in-law, Shelley Huffman of Gorham, Ill.; and a very close friend, Imogene Ebersohl of Murphysboro, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie J. Huffman, on Dec. 28, 1996; a son, Clarence L. "Butch" Huffman, on Nov. 13, 1997; his parents; and two brothers.

Alley-Oop was employed by CIPS, Grand Tower, as head repairman 34 years until retiring in 1985. He was also owner of Gorham Market 20 years.

He served our country from 1942 to 1946 in the U.S. Army, and was in World War II and the Battle of the Bulge in Germany.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Grand Tower, International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO Local 148 of Marysville, VFW Post 7190 of Murphysboro and was a life member of American Legion Post 127 of Murphysboro.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Meredith Funeral Home in Grand Tower.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Carl Dillow officiating. Burial will be in Walker Hill Cemetery with military rites conducted.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Kitchen Fund in Grand Tower and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave an online condolences, please visit www.meredithfh.com.