Noel C. "Cotton" Huffman passed away on May 20, 2017 at Mercy Hospital after a long illness.

Mr. Huffman was born on October 24, 1923 in Wheatland, Missouri to Noel F. and Eura Huffman.  He was affectionately called Cotton by nearly everyone throughout his entire life.

In 1949 Cotton graduated from Wheatland High School.   Cotton was a WWII veteran, receiving three bronze stars. He was among the first group to be stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, then called Camp Leonard Wood, in 1950.

Mr. Huffman either owned or managed restaurants in Ash Grove, Bolivar, Buffalo from 1951-1994.  He owned and operated Huffman's Café in Ash Grove, for forty years.  Together with his wife, Mary Ann, they forged many friendships and special bonds with customers. They were Godparents to the class of '57.  Cotton was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints where he served as Ward Clerk for 17 years.  He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a lifetime member of the VFW.

Survivors include, Mary Ann of the home; son, N.C. Huffman of Springfield; niece, Judy Beer (Wayne) of Osage Beach, MO; nephew, Van Huffman (Marilyn) of Pinedale, WY; and special friend, Keith Bird (Barbara) of Willard, MO.

He was preceded in death by his dad and mother; brothers, Jim, Howard; sisters, Lucille, and Jennie.

Masonic Services will be 6:00PM Wednesday, May 24, 2017 with visitation to follow until 8:00PM at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, Missouri.  Funeral Services will be Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 2:00PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints Willard, Missouri.  Burial will follow in the Ash Grove Cemetery.