Ronald Andrew Huckins of Lompoc died Friday, April 10, 2015, at the age of 93.
Ronald was born February 11, 1922 in Lebanon, New Hampshire to Leon and Antoinette Huckins. He was raised in New Hampshire where he completed his education by earning his master's degree in history at Chapman University at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Ronald served in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was a radio operator and gunner on a B-26 in Europe and with air rescue on a B-17 in the Pacific. During his 27 years in the USAF he worked on the Martin Matador missile system in Europe and the Thor and Minute Man missile systems at VAFB. Following his military career he taught history to 7th and 8th grade students at La Purisima School and at Allan Hancock College.
Formerly of El Paso, Texas, Ronald came to the Central Coast of California in 1957. He was a member of La Purisima Catholic Church and enjoyed gardening, reading, woodworking, traveling and in later years volunteer police work.
Ronald is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Michael Lee and Susan Huckins of Lompoc, his grandchildren, Paul, Crystal and Michael, Jr. and his wife Tonda. He is also survived by his great granddaughter Vienna, as well as many loved ones on the east coast in Maine and New Hampshire.
He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene in 2008 and his son Martin M.(Buddy) Huckins in 2002.
A memorial mass will be celebrated 10 am Thursday, April 30th, 2015 at La Purisima Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.
"It's never easy to say goodbye or to fully grasp the news. The reality of our loss only brings overwhelming emotions of agony and sorrow.
What gives us peace of mind is knowing you're watching over us, and all of whom were fortunate to have known you through your comical humor and wise words of wisdom.
What gives us strength is knowing you're together again with your wife of many years in a place of bliss where there is no more worry and no more pain.
You've provided so much support, acceptance, and shared knowledge. With many more qualities that made your legacy so well cherished, loved and truly unforgettable.
To say we are honored and proud to have been part of your family doesn't begin to describe how grateful we are to be a Huckins."
We'll never stop missing you, Love always and Forever, Paul, Susan, and Crystal Huckins