Gary "Squirrel" W. Huckstep

Gary “Squirrel” W. Huckstep, age 83 of Linn, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Harbor Place in Linn surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born April 2, 1940, in Jefferson City, a son to the late Charles and Clem (Fincher) Huckstep.

Squirrel was a 1958 graduate of Linn High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army.

On September 29, 1990, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Meyer in Jefferson City.  She survives in Linn.

Squirrel was employed at McCleary Mobile Glass, Linn Manufacturing, Knollmeyer Motors for 10 years, owner/operator of Linn Dairy Queen/Gary’s Drive-In for over three years, Owner/operator of Linn Motel for 22 years, drove a school bus for Lawrence Rudroff Bus Company, drove for Carroll Rehma for over 20 years, and then for Jim Butler for 7 years.

Squirrel was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn and the Masonic Lodge and Shriners Club for over 50 years.  Squirrel served as an alderman for the City of Linn for 10 years, Mayor for 3 years and served as the Assistant Fire Chief.

Squirrel enjoyed hunting, fishing, polishing old cars, mowing grass, and keeping Hwy 50, in front of his house clean.

In addition to his spouse of 33 years, Squirrel is survived by: two daughters, Tina Huckstep and her spouse, Vickie of Linn and Gina Huckstep and her husband, Brian Patterson of Linn; one son, J.D. Huckstep and his wife Jen of Jefferson City; one grandson, Parker Wayne Patterson; three step-grandchildren, Staisha Harrell, Gavin O’Rear, and Mason Pierce; two step sons, K.P. Nilges of Linn and Terry Nilges of Linn; along with many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Maymie Huckstep; an infant brother and a stepson, Jerry Nilges.    

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Linn with Funeral, and Masonic services to follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. William Barkman officiating. Military Honors will be presented following the Funeral Service.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Linn Public Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church or Harbor Place Bingo Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)

www.mortonchapel.com