Joseph Dean Huxman, 87 of Russell, Kansas died Monday, September 16, 2013 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Joe was born December 24, 1925 in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the son of John Walter and Mryl (Bixler) Huxman.  He grew up in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, Kingman, Kansas, Turan, Kansas and Alva, Oklahoma.  He attended high school in Natoma, Kansas.

Joe served his country in the U.S. Navy.  He was stationed in Hawaii for two years.

Joe was united in marriage to Mamie Mravinec on April 14, 1950 in Russell, Kansas.  They lived in Natoma, Kansas before moving out to California.  After 53 years in Tehachapi, California they moved back to Russell, Kansas in September of 2004.

After his service in the military, Joe attended the Northrup Aeronautical Institute, then started his career with NASA at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  He worked with pilots and astronauts with Life Support Tech.  He retired in April of 1983.

Joe loved to go back packing, hiking, fishing and being outdoors.  Joe was a simple man that enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Joe’s surviving family include his wife of 63 years, Mamie of the home.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Huxman and Marion Huxman.

Celebration of Joseph’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 20, 2013 at Bible Baptist Church of Russell with Pastor Dale Lane officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Family will be present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening at the mortuary.  Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.