Joseph Holsteen Huffman

Joseph Holsteen Huffman, a longtime Dallas resident, devoted husband, father, grandfather, Navy veteran, and faithful friend, died on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from complications of lung disease. He was 79.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 13, 1947, Joseph moved with his family to Dallas when he was five years old. He arrived with the excitement of a young boy eager to see a real cowboy for the first time, a fitting introduction to the Texas city he would call home for the rest of his life.

Joseph graduated from Highland Park High School and went on to Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. His years at SMU were meaningful to him, including his membership in Lambda Chi Alpha. He treasured the friendships and fellowship found there.

In 1971, Joseph married Sharon Ruth Cooper, beginning a marriage marked by deep devotion, companionship, and love. This year they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Joseph continued his education at The University of Texas, earning a Master’s degree in Business with a specialty in Actuarial Science. After serving as Lt. JG in the Navy, he then began a long and distinguished career as a consulting actuary with Watson Wyatt, following a professional tradition established by both his father and his brother. He cherished not only his work but, perhaps even more, the relationships he formed with colleagues and clients throughout his career.

Family was at the center of Joseph's life. He was known for his extraordinary patience, kindness, and generosity. His family remembers a man who made people feel valued and who quietly demonstrated his faith through the way he lived. He taught those he loved to look to Jesus in times of trial and to trust God even when circumstances were difficult.

Joseph had a deep love of music. He enjoyed listening to music and playing the guitar, and he delighted in sharing that love with his family.

In his final days, Joseph spoke with a beautiful anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face and knowing Him more fully. For his family, those words were a reflection of the faith that had shaped his life and offered him hope throughout his final journey.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Houston Huffman and Florence Holsteen Huffman, and his brother, Sam Houston Huffman, Jr.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Joiner Swartz; his beloved wife, Sharon Cooper Huffman; his daughter, Natalie Huffman Slaton, and her husband, Benjamin; and his three grandchildren, Elise, Samuel, and Andrew Slaton, whom he adored.

Joseph will be remembered not only for the life he built and the people he loved, but for the kindness he extended so freely to others. His family is grateful for the many years they were given with him and for the faith, patience, generosity, and love he leaves as his enduring legacy.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 29th at University Park United Methodist Church. The service will be livestreamed at https://upumc.livecontrol.tv/69c72bcd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UPUMC, the church he called home his entire life.