Richard Claude Huddleston

Richard Claude “Peck” Huddleston, 78, of Talala, Oklahoma, passed away on October 2, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Peck was born on May 15, 1945, to Solomon Claude “Pete” Huddleston and Martha Welsh Huddleston, and raised in the bustling city of Roff, Oklahoma. He was nicknamed “Peck” by his father, referencing the fictional character of Hennery Peck from the Peck’s Bad Boy novels.

Peck attended Roff High School where he met the love of his life, Lois Ruth Byers. They were married May 30, 1962, within days of her graduation. Peck and Lois went on to have two children, Kevin and Melody.

Peck was a career truck driver, going by the handle “Hudco”. He drove for Humpty Dumpty, Yellow Freight, Big Heart Crude Oil, and Arnco, among others. He was often driving for the same company as his brother-in-law, Hershel, where they were known to give dispatchers many laughs at their lighthearted humor and banter. He officially retired in 2013 but was known to make a run or two on occasion because he still enjoyed it.

His family meant everything to him. Whether he was on the road determined to provide for them, home caring for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, or at sporting events to watch them play, he was constantly beaming and letting everyone know how proud he was of them. He even helped coach his grandson Austin’s tee-ball team, where he was lovingly referred to as “Coach Papa”.

We mourn the loss of our beloved father and papa, and encourage all who knew him to remember him always serving, laughing, cracking jokes, giving hugs, and being there for those who needed him. His memory and spirit will live on through all who loved him.

Peck is survived by his wife, Lois Huddleston; sisters Joan Freeman, Mary Lou Townsend, and Barbara Reddick; son, Kevin Huddleston, daughter Melody Robinson and husband Benny.

Grandchildren: Brittany Huddleston-Powers, Colton Roach and Anna Burnett, Trenton and Dominique Roach, Blake Huddleston, Ceaira Rock and John Rosencrans, Ashton and Andre Champion, and Austin Huddleston.

Great grandchildren: Abigail Roach, Rhett Roach, Grayson Roach, Tyler Powers, and Paxton Powers-Elder.

Peck was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Martha, and his brothers Don, Tom, and Jack Huddleston.