John Howard Huffman, 79, of Vincennes, passed away surrounded by his family unexpectedly on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital.

John was born in Vincennes on September 22, 1947, the middle son of the late Howard and Marie (Hagen) Huffman of Bruceville, Indiana.

John graduated from North Knox High School in 1965, where he was active in FFA and the Boy Scouts. He earned his God and Country Award, a reflection of the values he carried with him throughout his life.

Shortly after graduation, John proudly answered the call to serve his country. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969, including two years in Vietnam. During his service, he received the Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, and a Presidential Unit Citation. John was a proud and humble veteran who rarely talked about his service, but he carried that pride with him always.

Following his military service, John worked at Greens Construction for many years before beginning a long career in coal mining, first with Black Beauty and then later Peabody. He retired from Bear Run Coal Mine in 2014 where he made many friends, yet, his nickname is still unknown to his family.

John had a work ethic that was difficult to match. He believed in showing up, getting the job done, and not making a fuss about it. He was known to work through just about anything-including illness and, on one memorable occasion, even cutting off his thumb. Somehow, that still wasn't enough to convince him that it might be a good day to stay home.

Over his 79 years, John touched countless lives with his stories, his humor, his stubborn determination, and his love of cars and St. Bernards- Baron Budweisers and Tonka Joes. He had a particular fondness for Pontiacs and his beloved 1958 Panhead. When he wasn't working, there was a good chance he could be found under the hood of one of his many cars over the years. What began as a passion for John became something he passed down to his daughter and grandchildren.

John had a way of making conversation that was uniquely his own. One of his favorite one-liners was simply, "How's your car doing?" It was rarely just a question. It was an invitation to talk cars, compare notes, or hear a story-and usually, John already had an opinion about what you should do about it.

John was a man of perseverance. He worked hard, loved fiercely, told good stories, and lived life on his own terms. He wasn't one to ask for much, but he gave a great deal-to his family, his friends, his country, and the people who were fortunate enough to know him.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Melodie, of Vincennes; his only child, Dawn Sparks (Wade Sturgeon) of Vincennes; and his grandchildren, Kennedy Eden Marie Wesco (Zachary) of Anderson, Indiana, and Dawson Thomas Sparks (Haley Roach). 

He also leaves behind his brother, Mike Huffman of Arroyo Grande, California, and his older sister, Terry Sue Williams of Bloomington, and last but by far the least, Ret. SSgt. Carlos Z089, who was his grandson's USMC retired K-9.

John will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His stories, his dry sense of humor, his stubborn streak, his love of cars, and his unwavering determination will live on through the people he loved most.

And somewhere, we're pretty sure John is already asking, "How's your car doing?".

Burial will follow in Bruceville Cemetery in Bruceville, Indiana. Friends and family may visit Saturday, October 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the VFW at www.vfw.org , the US War Dog program at www.uswardogs.org in memory of John Huffman, or the Bruceville Christian Church.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7