Ronald Huff Obituary

Dr. Ronald Overt Huff, fondly known as R.O., passed away on May 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born in Des Moines, IA, on May 11, 1938. He attended North High School and continued his love of baseball by playing for Drake University, where he also met his wife of 63 years, Sharon Miller. Ron had a passion for learning, he earned all of his degrees from Drake, Bachelors in Education (1961), Masters of Science in Education (1965), Specialist in Education (1970) and Doctor of Education (1977).

Ron’s career path started as a math teacher for various Jr. High and High Schools in Des Moines. He left teaching to work at the Iowa Department of Education as a consultant for 13 years. He then ventured into retail ownership by purchasing and running multiple Casey’s General Stores in northern Missouri. Ron ended his career path by going back to his passion for education and becoming a Professor at Simpson College in Indianola, IA, where he shared his expertise and love of math.

Ron was a member of College Avenue Christian Church in Des Moines and a current member of First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston. He still actively played his saxophone in the Des Moines Community Band, and, as an Army Veteran, he played in the Iowa Military Veterans Band. He proudly played at the Veteran’s Day Concert at the Des Moines Civic Center for the past 20 years. Ron loved model railroad trains and was a member of the Des Moines Trak Modular Railroading Club.

Ron’s greatest joy was being with his family, especially his wonderful grandchildren, and his sweet dogs, Maggie and Bailey. One of his favorite places to be was at the lake house in Crosslake, MN, where he was constantly building things, puttering around, and reading on the porch. He loved cheering on his beloved Drake Bulldogs and Minnesota Twins and Vikings, gathering with his many friends, and having a good bowl of popcorn at the end of the night.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Kelly (Steve) Squires; son, Brian (Becky) Huff; cherished grandchildren, Sam and Nick Squires and Emi Huff; and loving sister, Dianne (Dean) Whiting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Lorna Huff, and his in-laws, Charles and Adilene Miller.

A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 30, at First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston. The family will receive friends during the hour before the service. Memorial donations may be given to First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines.

To view the livestream of the service please use the following link or select the link under the videos tab on Ron's obituary.

Livestream Link: https://tinyurl.com/3a7vt98m

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