Duane Edward Huffman, age 71, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away on July 6, 2026, at HSHS St. John's in Springfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Family Worship Center, 5475 Lerna Road, Mattoon, Illinois 61938. Funeral services honoring his life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the church, with son-in-law Pastor Brad Brown officiating. An additional visitation will take place from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Garden View Funeral Home in Muncie, Indiana, with burial following at Gardens of Memory. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Duane was born on February 13, 1955, in Muncie, Indiana, the son of Edward Huffman and Louise (Hughes) Watson. He married the love of his life, Kathy Casada, on July 7, 1979, in Muncie, Indiana.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathy Huffman of Mattoon, IL; three daughters, Kristy (Andy) Wallace of Yorktown, IN, Heather (Brad) Brown of Mattoon, IL, and Amanda Huffman (Shayne Fuller) of Mattoon, IL; seven grandchildren, Caroline, Abbey, and Bennett Wallace, Gibson and Holly Brown, and Tanner Duane and Lexi Louise; sisters, Sheila Trahan of Mattoon, IL, and Tyja (Kevin) Sullivan of Atlantic Beach, FL; aunt, Ruth Caylor of Dawsonville, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Duane was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather, David R. Watson, and brother-in-law, Ernest Trahan.

Duane graduated from Union High School, Class of 1973, in Modoc, Indiana, before attending Ball State University, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. While there, he played trumpet in the university band, even traveling abroad to Europe for special performances.

Duane went on to dedicate nearly 50 years of his life to teaching in schools throughout Indiana and Illinois, most recently serving on staff at Mattoon High School. Duane began his career teaching 4th grade at Union School before moving to Muncie Community Schools, teaching elementary students from 1978 until 2003. During that time, Duane was honored to be nominated for the Indiana Teacher of the Year award. He later taught 5th grade at East Prairie in Tuscola from 2007 until he retired in 2019. However, Duane wasn’t quite ready to give up teaching and joined Mattoon CUSD 2 in December 2021. Throughout his career, he also served as a devoted substitute teacher across multiple communities and school districts.

Duane knew from the second grade that he wanted to be a teacher, and he lived out that calling with pride, often saying, "Huffman is my name, teaching is my game!" He cherished every job he ever held, facing each day with resilience and without complaint. Even in his final position at Mattoon High School, he remained active and involved, showing up for every musical, sporting event, and band or choir performance, and even chaperoning special band trips.

Duane's adventurous spirit led him to travel to 40 states throughout his lifetime. He was a charter member of Mattoon Family Worship Center and lived a life of unwavering devotion to God, serving Him faithfully through acts of love, compassion, and selfless dedication to others. Duane had a deep love for music, often found playing his beloved white baby grand piano, proudly displayed in his front living room window.

His loving and optimistic attitude carried him through life's many challenges. Duane was a devoted father, husband, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, family member, and friend, and he treasured the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Duane will be deeply missed by his loved ones. His legacy will live on through the lives of all those he touched.

Memorial donations in his honor may be given to the Mattoon High School Music Program, 2521 Walnut Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois 61938. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.