Homer Huggins

Racine - Mr. Homer D. Huggins, 89, passed away in Kenosha at the Hospice House on March 6, 2008. Homer Don Huggins was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 22, 1918 to the late Homer C. and Elizabeth (nee: Jamison) Huggins. He has lived in Racine since the end of World War II. Mr. Huggins was a 1937 graduate of the Emil G. Hirsch High School in Chicago, Illinois. In June of 1941, he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in General Engineering from the University of Illinois and continued his education at Cornell University where he met Eugenia H. McFadden. They were united in marriage in the Sage Chapel at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York on August 20, 1943. Mr. Huggins enlisted in the United States military in Battlecreek, Michigan in 1942 and then he went to the Coast Guard Academy where he earned his commission. He was separated in 1946 with the rank of Lieutent USCGR. His assignments included: USCG Cutter Crawford Caribbean and Anti-Submarine Duty U.S. Army FS 310, SW Pacific, and Philippines. He earned the following honors: the World War II Victory Metal, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon - 1 Star, and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon - 1 Star. Mr. Huggins was employed by Modine Manufacturing Company in 1946 until his retirement in 1983 as the Senior Vice President of Technical Services. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and became a licensed professional engineer. He was also a Racine School District Board Member from 1958 - 1961 and a Racine Unified School District Board member from 1961 - 1971. He served as the President of USDR #1 for one year. Homer's intellectual curiosity kept him busy as if he was a student all his life. He was a gifted woodworker, especially in making sculptures and furniture. He enjoyed golfing and gardening in his spare time. Homer will be sadly missed as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Homer is survived by his wife, Eugenia of Racine; three children, Andrew (Mary) Huggins of Barrington, IL, Dr. Brian (Kathleen Quinlan) Huggins of Peoria, IL, and Laurel (James) Hochstetler of Wonder Lake, IL; six grandchildren, Stacy (Patrick Smith) Huggins, Sarah Huggins, Katrina Hochstetler, Alex Hochstetler, Elizabeth Q. Huggins, and Christine Q. Huggins; one great-grandson, Ethan Smith; 1 sister, Marguerite McMurray; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Homer was preceded in death by his sister Meredith Carlson. A memorial service will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Monday morning, March 17, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. with Chaplain Charlie Hansen officiating. Private inurnment with full military honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Dover. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Monday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Center, Hospice Alliance, Racine Theatre Guild, or the Racine Public Library. Special thanks from the Huggins's family to the caretakers at Hospice Alliance and to Dr. Richard Odders and his staff at the Cancer Center for their kind and compassionate care of Homer.

Homer Huggins

November 22, 1918 - March 6, 2008