Richard "Dick" Philip Huber

Memorial services for Richard “Dick” Philip Huber, 95, of Lufkin, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Brian Wiggins officiating. A second memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Pinecrest Retirement Center at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Private inurnment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Mr. Huber was born March 18, 1918 in San Francisco, California, the son of the late Teresa (Dorroh) and Phil Huber. He passed away Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Pinecrest Retirement Center.

After graduating from the California Maritime Academy, he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines, visiting numerous ports throughout the Orient and South Pacific. His ship was scheduled to enter Pearl Harbor loaded with ammunition on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941. Fortunately, circumstances delayed that transit and he witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor from Honolulu, Hawaii. His ship was one of the first to return to San Francisco, where he was immediately called to active duty as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. During WWII, he took part in all seven of the major maritime sea battles and was onboard the U.S.S. Missouri to witness the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. During the war, he met Majorie Jo Welch while his ship was being serviced in the Port of Orange, TX. They married on November 29, 1944 and celebrated more than 50 years of marriage prior to her passing in 1996.

Mr. Huber was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was retired from St. Regis Paper Co. as an engineering manager and held an Unlimited Marine Engineer license. Ever the adventurer, International Paper lured him out of retirement for an assignment in Mexico City and later in San Felipe, Venezuela.

Mr. Huber was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he also served as a member of the Board of Elders. In his spare time, he dabbled in carpentry and was also a member of the Angelina Genealogical Society (serving a term as President) and a charter member of the East Texas German-American Club.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Linda Huber of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, David and Elva Huber of Houston; daughter, Ellen Moreau of Nacogdoches; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Huber was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Jo (Welch) Huber; brother, Albert Huber; sister, Luise Laurie; and grandson, Adam Huber.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. Saturday prior to the services at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75904; First Presbyterian Church, 607 Jane Way, Lufkin, TX 75901; or to the U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20004.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.