Burton “K” Huckins, age 85, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2019 at his home in Miles City.
K was born on August 5, 1934 with his twin brother Franklin D. in Grove Park, Montana (near Fort Peck) to Clifford and Mary Alyne (Meredith) Huckins. After living at Fort Peck, the family moved to the Huckins ranch south Broadus. When the twins were ready to start school, they moved into Broadus. He attended schools in Broadus where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and graduated in 1952.
He moved to Miles City in 1956 to work at Keefe Auto. This same year, K married Virginia Wilson. He went on to work for Napa Auto and was with Motor Service for 30 years as co-owner and manager. After retiring from the parts business, he drove for FedEx for several years and greatly enjoyed it, as he would get to see lots of his old customers.
K served his community as a City Council Alderman for seven years, coached 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade basketball for 6 years; he loved kids and loved coaching. K was a people person and was a great mentor for young people. He also had a passion for woodworking and making things for others to enjoy. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
K was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bob, D, and Larry; and his sister Lucille. Survivors include his wife, Virginia of 63 years; daughters Debra (Kit) Beley and Darcy (Jeff) Corbridge; grandchildren Kirtlye (Les) Schuman, Tara (Ole) Becken, Cailtyn Beley, Brent Beley, Tahnee (Nick) Usher, Rachel (Jeremey) Cumrine, Scott Corbridge; and great-grandchildren; Peytan and Parker Schuman, Grady Becken, and Mason and Logan Usher.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A private family interment will be held at the Custer County Cemetery on Tuesday. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice.
KAREN BARNES says
TO ALL OF K’S FAMILY – PRAYERS AND HUGS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF LOSS. K WAS SUCH A SPECIAL
PERSON TO EVERYONE WHO HAD THE PRIVELEGE OF KNOWING HIM OR WORKING WITH HIM – HE WILL BE MISSED.
I ALWAYS ENJOYED VISITING WITH HE AND WIFE GINGER WHEN I RAN INTO THEM IN MILES CITY – WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS ONE OF THE BROADUS BASKETBALL PLAYERS BACK IN THE DAY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Doug and Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Our prayers for comfort in this time of loss to the Huckin’s family
Sandy Raney says
Thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the days ahead. K was a very special friend and co-worker. Had many, many great visits with K thru the years and he always commented how blessed he was to have such a wonderful, fulfilling life with his family. He loved you all so much! K was one of a kind and would help anybody and was always lending a helping hand if needed. What a blessing he was to anybody fortunate enough to have known him. I will miss him greatly but I know he is now pain free and spreading his blessings in heaven. God speed my dear friend… 💕
Dale Welliever says
I am so sorry and heartbroken to hear this news. All of my prayers to you Ginger and family. I learned so much from this great man. The world lost a treasure
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy. It’s been a long tough battle. We all loved K.
Tina Webb says
I will miss his no crap attitude. He was so nice and funny.
Valli Fulton says
Ginger, Deb, Darcy and Families-
My deepest sympathy to all of you! K was such a great guy and friend to my folks! I know that you have many wonderful memories to hold on to and help you through the difficult days ahead. Keeping all,of you in my thoughts and prayers!
Chuck South says
I’m so sad to hear this news, K was such a big influence on me when I was fortunate enough to work for him when I was young, so many great memories of him telling stories down at Motor Service with everyone laughing their ass off. just a wonderful man, he will be missed greatly, Prayers to Ginger and the Family.
Michael Pelletier says
Ginger,Debbie and Darcy, Very sorry to hear about K.
Patrick Stoltz says
Ginger, Debbie and Darcy. I am sorry to hear the news. What a man! I always looked up to K! He was such a good leader at Motor Service and I was always thankful he tolerated me. I used his examples in my own career. He was a great teacher! My prayers are with you all.
Ruben Opp says
Ginger and family,we are so sorry to hear of K’s passing .K was a very special man ,so enjoyable to visit with. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during these difficult days and the days ahead.May God bless and comfort you all.
Ruben and June Opp
Jim Garza says
Ginger and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a mentor to me when I worked with him at Car Quest, and a very good friend. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Tim Burdett says
Thoughts and prayers from Tim, Carmen, Beau and Danielle Burdett. My great memories of K.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of K’S family He was one of a kind. He was always so easy to work with when he was at Napa and so helpful when we were in business . It was a privilege deal with him He will be missed by all who knew him . May you find comfort in Your memories and in Gods Love.
Vanna L. Byrd says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of K. My Dad, Grant Lancaster, always enjoyed trading with him over the many years they knew each other. He always had a broad smile when he dealt with Dad.
Deb Bartholomew says
TO ALL THE HUCKINS FAMILY:
So very sad to hear of your loss to you all. He always had time to visit with friends and family. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure all your memories as they will help you get through difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bruce Wilson says
Ginger, Debbie, Darcy, and family, K was is the ultimate father figure to me growing up. K was just this Great husband, father, and friend Who always did the right thing . I will miss his corny jokes and unique sense of humor.
Patty and I were so glad that we got to see K on a recent trip to Miles city.
Rest in peace Burton Kendall !
Monte Monasmith says
Our thoughts are prayers are with K’s family. He will be well remembered.
John Singer says
Ginger, Debbie, Darcy and family. Not sure if you remember me! I worked for K at Motor Service back in the early 70s.
The things I learned during that employment at Motor Service were used during the rest of my career in the automotive parts world. I always felt that both K and Ginger were the greatest people to ever work for.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time of your loss of a great man. The time I worked at Motor Service has always been in my heart all these years. RIP K !!!
Randy Boutelle says
Ginger, we are so very sorry. All I can think of now are the missed opportunities to talk with him the past couple of months. Our deepest sympathies.
don and sandy christman says
Dorothy called me this morning and told me K had passed. I am so sorry and send our most heartfelt thoughts to you and your girls!!!!!!!!!!
GARY AND PAT HELM FAMILY says
SO SORRY GINGER AND FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND TREASURE YOUR MEMORIES OF K FOR EVER.
Loren Williams says
TRIBUTE
Kemo Sahbee. For a time this is how K Huckins and I tagged and greeted each each other. We borrowed the term from one of the oft-recurring Lone Ranger fads. This one during the 1950s, a time when K and I buddied about during our late teens and early twenties. Broadus. Miles City. Billings (Rocky Mountain College). Country dances. Double dating. Beer drinking. Rites of passage.
Although distance (1,500 miles) has separated us for many years, I’m now dealing with another passage: the loss of yet another lifelong friend. I am reminded of the following words, now slightly modified, that I wrote just last spring when K’s twin brother D checked out:
“I first met D Huckins and his twin brother K in September of 1941 when I entered first grade in Broadus, our shared formative hometown. D and K were in second grade, a year ahead of me; we were in the same classroom, the beginning of lifelong friendships.” Also I remember many other long time relationships which began in this small Montana “incubator” town. A great place to grow up. (Yes, I am biased. And very grateful.)
Ginger, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended family.
I’ll close with a heartfelt farewell to a friend: Goodbye, Kemo Sahbee, it was great knowing you.
Loren Williams
San Antonio, Texas
peggy j steadman says
Thinking of you and your family Ginger.
Kathy Damm Culy says
Ginger and family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of one heck of a great man! I was so lucky to reconnect with you two when I moved back to Miles in 98..K not only told good jokes , he was a man of honor and so loved by so many..growing up with DARCY just around the corner I was always included in the BB tournaments and well with that said….I gave him a grey hair or two! I shall forever have such grand memories of K….May you find comfort in knowing how many Loved him…God Bless
Patty Nitschke Filler says
Ginger and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of K’s passing. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. Reading Kathy Damm’s comment reminded me of the basketball tournament you guys were kind enough to take a group of Darcy’s friends to. I contributed a few gray hairs to K during that adventure. I’m praying for healing, comfort, strength and peace during this painful time.
Pam Rogge says
Ginger and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. Cherish the memories!
Fern Griggs says
Thinking of you Ginger.
Brent and Kim Christopherson says
Dear Ginger and Family,
I just found out from brother Blane, this morning, that K had passed. Saying so long has and will continue to be so very difficult, especially with someone as special to me as K was. I was at a fire chiefs conference this last weekend and the instructor said to think of someone that was a mentor to me. This was before I knew he had died. The immediate thought that came to my mind was K. He taught me so much! He was the best and was so very kind and community oriented! His caring attitude and smile was contagious. Our great basketball times and what he did for the youth in Miles City will always be remembered! The gang at Motor Service will always hold a special place in my heart and I am so appreciative of that! Please know that my wife Kim and I are thinking of you during this tough period of life. K was the BEST and so are you!
Gods Blessings to you and family.
Brent and Kim
Janet Klein says
Ginger, K fought the long hard fight for such a long time and he was such a trooper during it. I have many good memories of him and he always brought up my dad, which made it all the more special! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers…
Joan Smith says
Ginger,Debbie & Darcy,
I am very saddened to hear of K’s passing.He was a really nice man and a great part of our neighborhood growing up.
Cherish lots of good memories and my thoughts and prays to your family.
Joan Damm Smith
Wayne Wetherelt Jr and Serena Wetherelt says
Ginger, Deb, Darcy
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families. K was a nice and thoughtful person and many memories were formed from our families friendship and working relationship. When the Broadus Napa store was started I was able to work for my Dad and had many working experiences with K. Ginger and K allowed me to stay at their house during basketball tournament in Miles City. I was always so grateful for that. Hold on to your precious memories and they will help you through this difficult time. He was a man that held much respect from others and I pray for leave and comfort to all of you. Thanks for sharing him with all of us.
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Our sincere sympathy to you, Ginger and family, in your loss of a great guy, and Miles City has lost another pillar of the community.
B Dean Holmes says
My thoughts of K covers the Years that he was alderman on the city council. He was always full of great ideas. He was serving his fellow man.. i always Totall respected him. Peace be with his family.
Louis J. Begger says
Ginger, sorry to hear about K. I got to know him and you back in the late 70’s while I was in High School. You both were such a Big help anytime I needed parts or tools. And since then it was such a pleasure to see you Both, you always took time to visited and ask how things were going. My thoughts and prays to the whole Family.
Jack and Kris Crocker says
Ginger, sorry for your loss. He was a gentle and kind man.
LaRae & Bill Weikert says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ginger, Debbie & family, and Darcy & family. I have such fond memories of the times we had with your family. K was one of the good ones! I remember a man who was kind, gentle, fun-loving, and always had a smile. And, he was a great friend to my dad. Sending our love, hugs, and condolences. LaRae & Bill Weikert and Ray & Janet Potter
Linda (Cole) Bianco says
Dear family of K; My sympathy and prayers to all of you. K & D were best friends with my brother Dennis (Cole). We lived across the alley in Broadus and knew them all – they were good friends and we’ll always miss them all. Larry was a friend of my brother Larry and they all played basketball – sometimes in our back yard! Please remember the good times – we will. Our best to you all. Linda & the whole Cole family.
Bill &. Jan. Champion says
Ginger. &. Girls. We’re so sorry to hear about. K. He was a very good man and always good to see him. Our condolences and blessing .
Kriss Erickson says
Ginger, Debbie & family and Darcy & family, my thoughts are with all of you. My family (Ross & Avis Erickson and me) moved away from Miles City in 1972. I remember my parent’s held the Huckins family in high regards. My mother may or may not have had Darcy in kindergarten. I was in the same grade as Debbie and loved her smile and laugh. I remember a few times asking my dad why K only went by one letter. I now know why. I can’t remember what answer my dad would give me. Your family didn’t live far from us, when we lived at 2214 or 2216 or 2217 Main Street. Avis & Ross have passed away and I now know memories and photographs are to be cherished. My heart is with you all.
diane bogner says
Bob and I express our heartfelt sympathy for you, Ginger, and family. K was always a caring and genuine guy who always had time to ask about our family . He was a very passionate man with a well rounded background that was a great foundation for his personality. Our thoughts are very sorry for your loss. May your days be eased in the coming days with God guiding you along. Bob was always touched by knowing him and living close by in his childhood days.
Darrell Walker says
I remember K from high school days. Last time I saw him, he was driving for FedEx; we visited about people on his route way down in the SE corner of Carter County.
Sympathy to the family from me and my wife.
Kristi (Shaw) Jeffers says
My thoughts and prayer are with your family. I have a lot of fond memories of K and Ginger.
Pete Stabop says
A life well lived, a special friend to so many, a life of service: K definitely made a difference in so many lives. I am sadden that K, D and Larry are all gone. I have fond memories of my association with them, especially in my childhood.When you measure a man’s life, all that matters are the relationships he created. K was a giant by this measure. I am glad I had the privilege to call him “friend.”
Pete Stabio says
A life well lived, a special friend to so many, a life of service: K definitely made a difference in so many lives. I am sadden that K, D and Larry are all gone. I have fond memories of my association with them, especially in my childhood.When you measure a man’s life, all that matters are the relationships he created. K was a giant by this measure. I am glad I had the privilege to call him “friend.”