Gary “Squirrel” W. Huckstep, 83, Linn, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at Harbor Place in Linn surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 2, 1940, to the late Charles and Clem (Fincher) Huckstep in Jefferson City.
He was a 1958 graduate of Linn High School and proudly served his country in the U. S. Army.
Squirrel was united in marriage to Rose Marie Meyer Sept. 29, 1990, in Jefferson City.
Squirrel was employed at McCleary Mobile Glass, Linn Manufacturing, Knollmeyer Motors for 10 years, owner/operator of Linn Dairy Queen/Gary’s Drive-In for over three years, Owner/operator of Linn Motel for 22 years, drove a school bus for Lawrence Rudroff Bus Company, drove for Carroll Rehma for over 20 years and then for Jim Butler for seven years.
He was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn and the Masonic Lodge and Shriners Club for over 50 years. Squirrel served as an alderman for the City of Linn for 10 years, mayor for three years and served as the assistant fire chief.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, polishing old cars, mowing grass, and keeping Hwy 50 in front of his house clean.
Squirrel was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Clem; one infant brother; and stepson, Jerry Nilges.
He is survived by spouse of 33 years, Rose; daughters, Tina Huckstep and spouse Vickie and Gina Huckstep and husband Brian Patterson, all of Linn; son, J.D. Huckstep and wife Jen of Jefferson City; grandson, Parker Wayne Patterson; step-grandchildren, Staisha Harrell, Gavin O’Rear and Mason Pierce; step-sons, K.P. Nilges and Terry Nilges, both of Linn; and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, followed by funeral and Masonic services at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn with Rev. William Barkman officiating.
Military Honors will be presented following the funeral service.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Linn Public Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
