Donald was born December 5, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, and was adopted by Warren and Willa Huffman on December 9, 1929. He resided in Glendale, CA, until age 11,when the family moved to Carlsbad. Don completed his elementary education in Carlsbad and graduated middle school from the Army Navy Academy. He went on to graduate from Oceanside-Carlsbad High School, and Oceanside-Carlsbad JC (now Mira Costa). He then spent two years in the Navy before moving on to Stanford where he received his bachelor's degree. His education continued at USC before culminating with his master's degree from SDSU. After receiving his degree for teaching, Don accepted his first teaching/coaching job in Nucla, CO. It was there that he met his future bride, Lillian. Don and Lillian married and moved back to Carlsbad where he began teaching at Oceanside High School. In a career that spanned from 1955 thru 1982, his positions included teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal.
Following his retirement from the school district, Don spent the next 25 years involved with his carpet cleaning business where he was able to set his own schedule, blocking out time to accommodate his fishing trips to Baja.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife. He is survived by his sister Phoebe Henley and his children, Christine (Joe) Moore, Susanne (Rick) Lathrop, Brent (Cindy) Huffman, and Beverly (Don) Pearson. Don is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, who he thoroughly enjoyed and greatly influenced. Their families include nine great-grandchildren, with the tenth on the way.
Donald's celebration of life will be held at Eternal Hills Chapel in Oceanside on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at 1:30 PM. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Huffman family home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to Alzheimer's research (858-492-4400, or www.ALZSD.org\donate).
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