from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Donald E. Huddleston (Hud), 83, died peacefully in his sleep at home on April 1, 2017, following an extended illness.
He was born Jan. 11, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Ernest and Gladys Huddleston. He was a graduate of Toledo Scott High School, Class of 1952, where he was an exceptional baseball and football player. In 1971, he founded the D.E Huddleston, Inc. construction company in Chillicothe.
He is survived by his children, Barbara (Robert) Jobin, Pam (Rick) Birdsall, Laura (Mark) Davis, Heidi (Kevin) North, and Jeffrey (Shana); grandchildren, Donnie Anderson, Kelli Matthews, Cole Coppel, Hunter Hightower, Brick Davis, Hudson North, Payton North, Allie, Josie and Maezie Don; great-grandchildren, Landis Downs, Darrian Brown, Avery Anderson, Sophie Anderson, Cashius Coppel, Milton Beverly, Ellie Mae Coppel, Holden Hightower and Harper Hightower; brothers, Robert and Ronald; many nieces and nephews; golfing buddies; friends he loved to socialize with at The Dock at Water; and a special friend to the family, Lori Roberts. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Jo; the love of his life, Carol Lynn Huddleston; a grandson, Landis M. Coppel; and a brother, George.
He was very active in the Chillicothe community throughout his life, belonging to several groups and organizations. He was passionate about golf and a longtime member of the Chillicothe Country Club where he was the Club Champion and Senior Club Champion multiple times, along with numerous other tournament victories and he played in several national Pro-Am tournaments.
He also enjoyed harness racing; most notable was his Ohio Triple Crown winner Peach E Pie. He was a member of the USTA and OHHA.
Among his legacy, he was most proud of founding the Ross County Scholarship Fund, formerly the Ross County Labor Management, 30 years ago, which is supported primarily by his annual golf tournament.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday (April 5) at the Chillicothe Country Club. Private graveside committal will be held at the convenience of the family at Grandview Cemetery under the direction of Haller Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Ross County Scholarship Fund, c/o WesBanco, 49 E. Water St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.