Obituary of David Allen Huddleston

David Allen (Dave) Huddleston, 64 of Roanoke went to his eternal home with the Lord on Saturday, February 20, 2016 after a long battle. He fought with strength, dignity, and grace and he always thanked God for all the blessings in his life, because he defied the odds so many times. He was born on December 28, 1951 in Logansport, Indiana to his parents, the late Seth and Thelma Huddleston, and was preceded by an infant son, John David. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and best friend of 31 years, Susanne; sons, Kyle and Robert; daughter, Samantha; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Eric Hogan; sisters-in-law, Pam and Bill Farrell, Jan Gigl, and Tamara Furda; brothers-in-law, Robert and Lori Furda, and John and Jodi Furda. Along with special cousins, Dick and Lea Hayden, and Valerie Chenier; Godson, Greg and Tammy St. Clair, Chemo Bag Elf, and adopted daughter, Heather Gabelmann; special extended family, Robyn Gigl, Jonathan Creekmur, Andrea Talley, Mary and Mel Richardson, Patti and Phil Peters; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his brothers, and sisters, at Hollins No. 5 Fire & Rescue. Dave also loved his devoted therapy pets, Chloe, Gidget, Milo, BooBoo, Stormy, Mr. Cat, Diamond, and LS. Dave was so proud of the 10 years he volunteered at Hollins #5 as a Firefighter/EMT and felt it was a privilege to serve with the amazing men and women there and he knows “You will take it from here”. He was a member of Our Lady of Nazareth Church where he had served as a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and the Easter Vigil Fire keeper which he has passed down to his son Bobby. About a year ago, Dave started “My Chemo Bag” which was inspired by the bag the Bailey Family gave him when he started his chemo treatments and he filled it back up and gave it back to them when their son was going through chemo. He did a bag for a young lady at church and after making hers, he thought that he could do this for others and a way of giving back for all the blessings God had given him. He has donated over 100 bags to the Blue Ridge Cancer Care at RMH, LGMC, Bedford, and the Pediatric Cancer Unit at RMH. Dave started turning wood, making pens, and other things as a way to keep himself busy after retiring. Dave did beautiful work and was always learning more and more about his craft and the exotic woods he worked with. We want to thank Doctors Arnold, Blackwood, Buck, Camardi, Carter, Drougas, Johnson, Kochenderfer, Rosenoff and their staffs for the wonderful care given to Dave over the years. We would especially like to express our gratitude to Dr. Eric Williams for all his care and being with us on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106 Roanoke, VA 24018 in Dave’s honor. Family will receive friends Wednesday February 24, 2016 from 5:00-8:00pm at Simpson Funeral Home. A service celebrating Dave’s life and to send him home will be 11:00am Thursday February 25, 2016 at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, 2505 Electric Road, Roanoke with Msgr. Joseph Lehman presiding. Interment will be private.