Gaylord "Duke" Huggett

Husband and Father Gaylord F. Huggett of Augusta, Michigan, crossed over peacefully on the 21 ^st of February 2022 at the Rose Arbor Hospice Center of Kalamazoo.  Gaylord, known by his friends and family as “Duke”, was born February 27, 1936, in Battle Creek, MI to Gaylord M. Huggett and Leah M. Hixson.  He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School.  He met the love of his life, Nancy Fiandt and married her in 1956.   Duke and Nancy immediately started a family that would ultimately grow with nine children: (four sons and five daughters) 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.   Duke began a career in law enforcement then transitioned to Insurance, ultimately retiring from Post Cereals.   He and Nancy were very active in their faith and were lifelong members of St. Jerome Catholic Church where many of their children attended grade school before moving on to St. Philip Catholic Central.  Duke drove the school bus for the Battle Creek Catholic Schools in his spare time.  From cheering in the stands, to coaching some of his children’s sport teams, his commitment to family and his church never wavered.  Always the joker and prankster, he was the master of fun wherever he went, making the Huggett home a favored spot for family and friends to come together and make lasting memories.  After all the children had grown and left home to pursue their own successful paths, Duke and Nancy moved to Eustis, Florida where many of their friends from Battle Creek moved.   Duke was passionate about his faith in the lord; he loved the Church and was committed to the service and Christian education. He was knighted in his Florida church into the Knights of Columbus service organization. Always leading by example, there were many times that he gave the shirt off his back to someone in need.  He was always a champion for the underdog and his joy, kindness, humor, leadership, honor, and love will be greatly missed by all who knew him.   He is survived by his wife, Nancy R. Huggett, daughters: Cathy Buck, Barbara Walker, Diana Seymour, Julie Shepperly, Sherry Pejka. Sons: Mark Huggett, Bryan Huggett, Alan Huggett and Michael Huggett.  He is preceded in death by his two brothers John and Robert Huggett and both of his parents. Memorial Mass scheduled for 11:00 a.m, Monday, February 28, 2022 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 229 Collier Ave., Battle Creek, MI.  The family will receive friends following the Mass.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice of Kalamazoo https://centricacare.org/giving/ or The Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/honor-memorial-gifts/