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Obituary for Kenneth Gene Huckstep Sr.
Kenneth Gene Huckstep, Sr., also known as “Coach,” age 86, of Charleston, IL, went to his Heavenly home Thursday, November 4, 2021, at home. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Ave., Charleston, IL with Pastor Hoover officiating. Ken Huckstep was born April 9, 1935, in Arthur, IL, the son of Elmer K. Huckstep and May Louise Taylor. He married Mary L. (Peggy) Ward on October 9, 1956, and she was the love of his life for 62 years. She preceded him in death. Ken is survived by his children: Cherie Huckstep White and husband Joseph; Vickie (Huckstep) Biggs and husband Bradley; Kenneth Huckstep, Jr.; Brian and his wife Paula; Scott and his wife, Jenny. He is also survived by his brother Harvey (T Bird Huck) and his wife Debra. He is survived by special friend Lelia Adair. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by a son, David Huckstep Burns; a daughter, Maria Huckstep Tiongson; a sister, Connie, and a brother, Leroy. Ken (Huck) was a proud U.S. Veteran of the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Korean War and traveled to over 45 different countries. He also served in the U. S Navy Color Guard for international royal dignitaries. Ken was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, where he obtained a Master’s Degree of Science and Education. He went on to teach academics and coach multiple sports at Charleston, Effingham, Bethany, and Warren, Illinois. Coaching athletes and mentoring students were his joy and passion. He was affectionately known as “Coach.” During his coaching career he coached alongside nine Illinois High School Hall of Fame coaches. Ken and his wife Peggy opened the Huckstep Insurance Agency in Charleston, IL where it was a successful business for over 40 years. Ken was a long-standing member of the Charleston Rotary and served as President during his service. Ken was a long-time member and elder at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston, IL.
