Wilmer (Bill) E. Huffman passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the Kansas City Hospice House.
He was born December 22, 1931 to Roy and Mable (Mow) Huffman in Cunningham, KS. Bill married JoAnn Fort in Rogers, AR, on May 31, 1959, and they had two children.
Bill graduated from Cunningham High School, Pratt (KS) Junior College, and then the University of Kansas. After earning his bachelors, he worked in Hutchinson, KS, with an accounting firm before becoming a CPA and partner in the Hampton-Huffman Accounting Firm in Pratt. He established KWNS (Kansas Weather, News, and Sports) radio station in Pratt. He was also an accountant for the Swinson Motor Company in Pratt.
Bill decided to return to the University of Kansas, where he received his MBA and doctorate in accounting. After graduation, he taught at Washburn University, followed by Pittsburg State University, where he was an associate professor in the Accounting Department and was recognized as an outstanding teacher. He also served 20+ years in the Kansas National Guard and Army Reserve, retiring as a major.
While teaching at Pittsburg State, Dr. Huffman was active in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. He served in several capacities, including District Coordinator and Kansas Training Specialist for AARP Tax-Aide. Dr. Huffman was also treasurer for the Homer Cole Senior Center in Pittsburg for several years and served on the Supervisory Committee for Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union. Bill was a member of Kiwanis for many years. He was always active in church, serving in various positions including elder, chairman of the board, and treasurer. In addition, he taught Sunday school for many years.
His survivors are his wife of the home, a daughter Dr. Cynthia Huffman; a son Dr. William (Christy) Huffman; two grandsons - Christopher (Lauren) Huffman and Andrew Huffman; two great granddaughters – Elise, Josie; and an expected great grandson, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Elmo, Delmer, Dale, and Bob, and sister Velda.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 29) at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg with Rev. Pastor “Jin” Hyunjin Cho officiating with Rev. Mark Chambers assisting. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the church. The family suggests memorials be given to the First United Methodist Church. These may be left at the service or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.
