Former Fayette resident Joseph Michael Huckins, age 78, of El Paso, Texas, passed away on December 29, 2022, at El Paso Health and Rehabilitation.

Joe was born in Fayette, Missouri, on November 16, 1944, a son of Loyd and Marjorie Estelle Liggett Huckins. He married Dawn Yell on April 10, 1970. He was employed for many years as a Car Man with Wabash and Northfolk and Western and Norfolk and Southern Railroads prior to retirement.

Service was important to Joe. He served his nation in the US Army during the Viet Nam War. Dawn He also served his community in many ways, including his long-time membership in the Fayette Lions Club, assisting with the Fayette Farmers Market, and the Fayette Freeze Off.

Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Fayette. Other memberships included the Knights of Pythias, the Baldridge Free Trappers, Gun Rights for Individuals, and Bass Masters. Joe’s other favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and gardening, and he was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Those cherishing Joe’s memory include his wife, Sara Dawn Yell Huckins; a daughter, Crystal Lynn Huckins; and a brother, James Neal Huckins. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Heather Leanna, and April Lynn, and his parents, Loyd and Marjorie Estelle Huckins.

Services celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Carr-Yager Funeral Home in Fayette, with Rev. Jamie Page officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fayette PAWS Program.

Condolences may be shared at www.carryager.com.

Carr-Yager Funeral Home of Fayette is honored to serve the family.