GORDON E. HUCKINS

     Gordon E. Huckins, 95, of Marshall Street, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Claire G. (Foisy) Huckins of Oxford; three children, Pamela Ekman and her husband Carl of Charlton, Bonnie Beliveau and her husband Paul of Oxford, and James Huckins Sr. and his wife Francine of Martha’s Vineyard; five grandchildren, Erik Ekman and his wife Jenifer, Jennifer Conway, Elizabeth Malone and her husband Scott, Rhiana Sherwood her husband Brad, and James Huckins Jr.; eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Evan, Jacob, Victoria, Claire, Gavin, Joseph, and Lily; and nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Lyman Huckins and Clayton Huckins; and two sisters, Florence Johnson and E. Luthera Oberg.  He was born in Oxford, son of the late Ernest L. and Eva J. (Flint) Huckins, was raised in Shrewsbury, and lived most of his life in Oxford.  He graduated from Major Beal High School in Shrewsbury.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, proudly serving in North Africa, Italy, Southern France, and Germany, as well as participating in the Battle of the Bulge and the Liberation of Dachau.

Mr. Huckins worked at Owens Illinois Corporation in Worcester for 29 years, retiring in 1983. Previously, he worked for Brockelman Brothers Market in Worcester.  He was a member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford, and enjoyed roller skating and going dancing in his younger years.  He enjoyed woodworking, needlepoint, latch hooking rugs, gardening, and carpentry.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and family man.  His family meant everything to him.

A funeral will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Military burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  Calling hours are Sunday, October 16, 2016, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA of Southern Worcester County, P.O. Box 368, Webster, MA 01570, or to Central Mass Hospice, 191 Pakachoag St., Auburn, MA 01501.