Bruce Richard Huddleston, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was born on October 30, 1952, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Charles Richard (Dick) and Norma Jean (Thomason) Huddleston.
Bruce’s childhood years were spent in Wewoka, Oklahoma, where he became a skilled trombonist in the Wewoka High Tiger Band under the direction of Jerry Howard until his family moved to Houston, Texas, in 1967. There, he continued in band and graduated from Spring Woods High School in May 1970. Bruce explored his hobbies of scuba diving and sky diving until he enlisted in the Vietnam War in 1972. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1973. Soon after his release, Bruce received his pilot’s license and took to the skies. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Karan Marie Fontenot, from Eunice, Louisiana. In 1979, Bruce and Karan made a move to Ada, Oklahoma, to purchase an existing air hearse business, Chartair, where they transported remains across the Southern region for two years.
Bruce soon developed a keen interest in computers and technology, which inspired him to open Ada Business Computers in 1982. He spent the next 40 years dedicated to his customers in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Bruce was dedicated to serving his loyal clients right up until the end.
Bruce’s interest in local sports and his daughters’ involvement led him to be a beloved announcer at the Byng basketball and softball games for decades. Bruce was quickly identified as the announcer in the box as patrons enjoyed listening to the selected classic rock that Bruce loved so much. Being involved with the Byng basketball and softball games was a highlight of Bruce’s life.
In 2010, Bruce returned to his passion for the high skies and became a Recognized Multi-Venue Professional Airboss for David Schultz Airshows. His many duties included keeping the skies safe with precision coordination of airshow performers (pilots and parachute teams), including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Bruce was a faithful member of the Southwest church of Christ in Ada, Oklahoma. He was a valuable team member in the sound booth, helping record worship services, weddings, and funerals.
Above all, Bruce was a dedicated husband to Karan and father to Tracy and Amy. He understood what the future held for him with an “all girl” house, and he embraced it. Bruce was a quiet leader in the home, loved and respected by his family.
Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Charles (Dick) Richard Huddleston of Katy, Texas; his grandparents, Claude and Eunice Thomason of Ada and C.R. (Chuck) and Loretta Huddleston of Wewoka.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Karan Huddleston; his two precious daughters, Tracy McMahan and her husband Zann of Edmond and Amy Barret of Ada; his cherished grandchildren Ethan, Owen, Sloan McMahan, and Ellie Barrett; his mother, Norma Huddleston of Katy, Texas; his siblings Brian Huddleston of Austin, Texas, and Betty Winder of Katy, Texas; and numerous other family members and friends.
Bruce will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate Bruce’s life will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Southwest church of Christ in Ada, Oklahoma. Burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to the local EAA Chapter 1005 of Ada, 902 Arlington, PMB 338, Ada, OK 74820.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
