Dean Howard Huggins

• In Loving Memory of Dean Howard Huggins
• A Life of Service, Strength, and Loyalty

October 11, 1947 – September 17, 2026

Dean Howard Huggins, 78, a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant, devoted father, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away on September 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, independence, loyalty, and love.

Dean proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, from 1967 to 1987. A Vietnam War veteran, he served as an Aircraft Armament Systems Technician, with assignments that took him to Thailand, Germany, Maine, Arizona, and Utah. Throughout his military career, he earned numerous honors, including three Air Force Commendation Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device. He retired honorably in 1987 at the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7) from Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

Following his military retirement, Dean continued his commitment to service, working in civil service at the United States Air Force Academy and later with Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs.

But there was much more to Dean than his years of service. If you knew him for any length of time, chances are you knew exactly where his favorite fishing holes were, how he felt about his beloved Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and perhaps even received a little unsolicited advice about your car.

An accomplished fisherman, excellent gardener, terrific cook, and grassroots mechanic, Dean was happiest when he was working with his hands and spending time outdoors. He had a practical wisdom that came from a lifetime of figuring things out on his own, and he wasn’t shy about passing his knowledge along.

Dean was a father to four children: Robin, Brian, Noel, and Samantha.

One of the most defining chapters of his life was raising his youngest daughter, Samantha, on his own. He was not only her father but also a great mentor, teaching her to fish, understand the basics of mechanics, and to stand tall on her own two feet. More importantly, he instilled in her the values of loyalty, resilience, and independence.

Dean was preceded in death by his son, Brian. He is survived by his children, Robin, Noel, and Samantha; his grandchildren, Erin, Loren, Abigail, Jacqueline, Lonny, Ryan, James, Brandon, Bryce, Julian, Bryan and Jayce and his great-granddaughter, Aria. He is also survived by his sister, Maryann, and his nieces, Jennifer and Stephanie.

In his later years, Dean faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He spent his final years in a loving assisted living environment, where he received compassionate care and developed a particularly special bond with his caregiver, Eli. Their connection brought companionship, comfort, and kindness to a difficult chapter of his life, and his family will always be grateful for the care and friendship Eli provided.

Dean’s life was one of service, hard work, perseverance, and quiet lessons. He may not have always expressed his love through words, but he showed it through his actions, the things he taught, and the values he passed down.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, fishing advice, and lessons that will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Dean’s life, with full military honors, will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Guests are kindly asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m. to participate in the procession.

All who knew Dean are welcome to attend and join his family in honoring a life well lived and a country proudly served.

Rest easy, Daddy. May the fish always be biting, the garden always be growing, and the Chiefs and Royals always give you something to cheer about.