Tribute: Major Don Huguley

An important part of my past is gone. Major Huguley was my Scoutmaster on a couple of scouting trips I made when I was 17-18 years old. I hadn't seen him since around 1988 but he was important to the process of the man I became. He passed away Tuesday night at Schumpert Medical Center. This is what I wrote in his online tribute page today:

"It's amazing how your life can be influenced by someone, no matter how long or short their presence in it may be. Major Huguley was one of those men who taught me more than I was aware of during the times I spent with him. I haven't seen him in almost 20 years but the trips I had with him in Boy Scouts, to Philmont Scout Ranch and to the 1973 National Scout Jamboree have permanent and special places in my memories. He showed me how to get things done, he kicked my butt, and he made me feel important and unique....sometimes all at the same time! He was a tough man and he had to be. But he was a fair man and he wanted to be. I will miss him but I'll never forget him. Major was a standing stone, a marker to guide others, and, most of all, he shared what he had and what he knew. He had the face and look of a hawk, and the heart of a great man. See you later, sir."

Below is his obituary from the paper. I'll drop in on the services on Saturday because I should and he deserves my respect.....

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Major Donald Lee Huguley, 72, died Tuesday, November 7, 2006 after a sudden illness. Don was born on March 24, 1934 in Washington, DC. He was a 1957 graduate of the US Naval Academy. He served as a pilot flying C-130 missions in Vietnam as well as assignments as a civil engineer. He retired from Barksdale AFB, LA in 1979. Don spent the next 20 years teaching at BPCC and was currently serving as Pastor of Pine Grove UMC and Pleasant Valley UMC. Don was an active member of Cross Bayou Emmaus Community and Bossier FUMC, serving as Men's Prayer breakfast speaker, long-time teacher of Midyette Sunday school class and Disciple teacher. He was WM of W.H. Booth Lodge #380 and was a Shriner. Don spent many years involved with Norwela Council BSA and Shreveport Yacht Club. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ethel Huguley; his brother Buddy, and his infant son Matthew. His wife of 49 years, Nancy Waple Huguley; children Don (wife Johnette), Ann (husband Marvin), and David (special friend Yvonne) and grandchildren, Jack, Rory, and Grace survive him. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA.