Melvin Nicholas "Nick" Huffaker, 65

Melvin Nicholas Huffaker, 65 years, 5 months, and 30 days old, passed to heaven on Aug. 13, 2012 at Cox Medical Center South.

Nick was born Feb. 14, 1947 in Lowell, Mass., to Melvin Guy and Flora (Phasoulas) Huffaker.

Nick was employed by Scroll Compressors/Copeland in Ava and worked as a machine operator. Nick was a resident of Ava most of his life.  On March 30, 1983 Nick and Ilena Kay Lafferty were united in marriage in Ava, Mo., and together they had six children. Kay preceded him in death in 1995.

Nick and Salley Ann Fosdick were united in marriage in June 29, 1996.

He was a Navy veteran and served in the Vietnam War.

Nick was a Christian and a member of the Dogwood Church of the Nazarene where he was Sunday School Superintendent and an usher.

Nick enjoyed attending church and liked to take time to hunt and fish. Nick enjoyed playing cards and loved spending time with people. He loved and adored his family.

Nick was preceded by his parents.

Nick is survived by his wife, Salley Ann Huffaker, Ava, Mo.; six children, Angie Cantin and husband Bill, Amy, Florence, Ginni Dorey, Lynn and Cassie Huffaker, all of Ava; three stepchildren, Clayton Atteberry, Andrew Atteberry, and Steven Atteberry and wife, Jennifer; six grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, Paul Huffaker; one sister, Vada Cage; and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside Memorial services for Nick will be Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Mo., with Military Honors. Visitation was at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, on Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Officiating is Pastor Michael Peebles. Memorials may be made to Dogwood Church of the Nazarene.

Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.