Robert Starkie Huffnagle

Robert Starkie Huffnagle 94, of Goshen Twp., Salem (Formerly of Leetonia) died at 8:24 AM Monday at his home.

He was born on April 18, 1927 in Leetonia, Oh., the son to his late parents; J. Stanley and Elsie (Hull) Starkie and adopted by relatives, the late Sydney and Mary Elizabeth (Boyle) Huffnagle after his mother died shortly after he was born.

Bob resided in Leetonia most of his life. He moved to Salem seven years ago and then to Goshen Township about six months ago. A 1945 graduate of Leetonia High School, Bob enlisted as a member of the US Navy in February of that year, even before receiving his high school diploma. His diploma was sent to him while he was serving in the Navy. Bob served for a year and a half during WWII. He was awarded the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon and Victory Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Honorable Service Award. He was mainly stationed in Great Lakes, Ill., and the Philippine Islands and on the USS Rapidan. He was a past member of the OSI in Leetonia, American Legion in Leetonia, Elks in Salem and Salem Masonic Lodge and a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leetonia. Bob retired as an erector from Electric Furnace Company in Salem.

Bob found it relaxing and relished being outdoors. Some of his favorite hobbies were working in the vegetable garden, playing golf and going fishing. At times he would charter a boat and enjoy the day fishing on Lake Erie. The colder temperatures never stopped him! When it was time to put the golf clubs away, Bob would switch from spending his days on the green, to spending them in the woods hunting. He especially liked hunting during the winter months in Pennsylvania. If you didn’t see him enjoying one of his many outdoor activities, you need not worry as he was probably “tinkering” in the garage. Bob was an avid reader and enjoyed watching TV to relax as well. One of he and Annabelle’s fondest memories was from 1957...Bob purchased only one ticket to win a car being raffled off at the Columbiana Street Fair. Not thinking much more about it, shortly thereafter, Annabelle got a call late one night that they had won the car! Of course they did not believe it, as it seemed to good to be true, but it was in fact true! Bob’s work over the years required some travel and to their benefit, Bob and Annabelle enjoyed the experience of going to Australia, South Korea and Hawaii. They also traveled to be with family living in Florida and Texas, as well as, some family trips to Myrtle Beach. Putting all of the things aside that Bob enjoyed to do and fill his life with, his real passion and that which gave him the most joy, was spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his lovely bride of 71 years; the former Annabelle Heinze, whom he married on January 20, 1950, his children; Darryl (Helen) Huffnagle and Joyce (Clayton) Ayers both of Texas, Jane (Harold) Franklin of Salem, five grandchildren; Kathleen Hendon, Anna Foster, Jeremy and Chelsey Ayers and Whitney Salazar and two great grandchildren; Bair Salazar and Luke Hendon.

In addition to his parents and adopted parents, Bob was preceded in death by a son; Denny Huffnagle, a grandson; Knute Bernard, and all his siblings; James Starkie, Agnes Kojan, Ted and Pete Huffnagle, Mary Caldwell, Margaret Morris and Bernice Windram.

There will be no services or calling hours held at this time. The family would like to thank Community Hospice and their staff for the love, care and compassion that was extended to Bob and the family during this trying time.

Care was entrusted to the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services of Salem.

 

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