SHERMAN, Texas - Pastor John Thomas "Tom" Huffman, longtime minister of Central Christian Church, of 401 S. Travis St., Sherman, Texas, went peacefully the way of all the earth on May 18, 2008.
He was born Feb. 19, 1941, in Plymouth, to John Frank and Mary Virginia Klinefelter Huffman. He leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Eleanor Ida Mihalko Huffman.
He graduated from Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, Tenn., with a bachelor's degree in preaching in 1980, and later received his master's degree in preaching from the same institution. He and Eleanor served the Englewood (Tenn.) Christian Church for 10 years and then moved to Wollongbar, New South Wales, Australia, to serve the Wollongbar Christian Church. After three years they moved south to Thornton, New South Wales, to simultaneously serve the Thornton Church of Christ and the Charlestown Church of Christ. Tom and Eleanor served nearly 12 years in ministry "down under."
He was in demand as a preacher and often brought messages in word and song to other Australian churches. He spoke at Bangalow Church of Christ; Whitebridge Church of Christ, Charlestown; Kurri Kurri Church of Christ; Lismore Church of Christ; and Mayfield Church of Christ; all in New South Wales; and Southside Christian Church, Brisbane; The International Christian Church of Toowoomba and the Ma Ma Creek Church of Christ, all in Queensland. He also had the privilege to preach the gospel in Axminster, England, and held crusades in villages in and around Chennai (or Madras) Southern India and Moscow, Russian Federation.
Also surviving are three children: Stacy Lynn Huffman (and spouse Chris) Gregg, Brazil; Michael Scott (and spouse Donna) Huffman, Etowah, Tenn.; and Matthew Thomas (and spouse Denise) Huffman, St. Peters, Mo.; six grandchildren, Jennifer and Josh, Brazil; Candie and Megan, Etowah; and Ethan and Elianna, St. Peters; his mother, Mary Virginia Huffman, Plano, Texas; a sister, Connie (and spouse James) Parker, Duncanville, Texas; and brothers, Stephen Allen (and spouse Carol) Huffman, Lancaster, Ky., and Robert Kent (and spouse Laura) Huffman, Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his father.
A celebrative memorial service will be at 3 p.m. today at Central Christian Church with Pastor Tim Yates of Charlestown Church of Christ in New South Wales, Australia, officiating.
Calling is one hour prior to the service today at the church.
Waldo Funeral Home, Sherman, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials to the Central Christian Church, 401 S. Travis, Sherman, TX, 75090, or to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to www.waldofuneralhome.com
