H. C. R. 8
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chambers, and Delegates Ball, Osborne,
Frederick and Talbott)
"Commemorating the passing of Odell H. Huffman, former member
of the West Virginia House of Delegates, from the County of
Mercer."
On the third day of October, one thousand nine hundred ninety-
four, the City of Princeton, the County of Mercer and the citizens
of West Virginia suffered a great loss at the death of an
outstanding public servant and esteemed member of the West Virginia
House of Delegates, the Honorable Odell H. Huffman.
Odell H. Huffman was born February 18, 1923, in Wyoming
County, West Virginia. The son of Mitchell O. and Callie
Whittington Huffman, he graduated from Mullens High School,
attended Concord College and graduated from the West Virginia
College of Law.
Odell married Geraldine Cline in 1950, and they were the
parents of four children: Catherine Folk, David, Bill and John.
Odell was a loving father and justifiably proud of his family. He
reveled in his delight over his grandchildren: Benjamin, Christine,
John, Sarah, Mitchel, Rebecca, Jamie, Mark and Allison. They were
a great joy in his life.
Odell was an active member of the First Methodist Church in
Princeton, where he and his family regularly worshipped.
A strong advocate for the business community, his desire to
serve the people of Mercer County led him into the political arena
where he served with distinction.
First elected to the House of Delegates in 1968, he was
reelected in 1970. He was elected to the West Virginia State
Senate in 1972 and served three four-year terms there before
running for Judge of the Circuit Court.
Following a six-year hiatus, he was again elected to the House
of Delegates in 1990 and in 1992. Odell served the House as
Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Revisions, Vice
Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary during the 60th
Legislature, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Local Government
during the 61st and 62nd Legislatures and as Chairman of the
Committee on Health during the 61st and 62nd Legislatures.
Odell was a staunch conservative and was an organizer of the
Conservative Caucus in the House of Delegates, serving as Chairman
of that Caucus.
Odell H. Huffman served the citizens of Mercer County in many
public service projects. He was a member of the Mercer County
Airport Authority, former mayor of the City of Princeton, an
organizer of the Princeton Community Hospital Association, Inc., an
organizer of Princeton Publishing Company and held membership in
the Mercer County and West Virginia State Bar Associations.
Odell served his country during the Second World War in the
Army Air Force.
A man of great integrity, Odell H. Huffman was honest and
sincere in his dealings with others. He was a warm and friendly
man who enjoyed conversing with others. He would attentively
listen to an opposing position or view and diplomatically explain
his own without causing offense.
His fascination with the legislative process and his
subsequent study thereof caused him to be known as one of the most
able of legislators.
Odell H. Huffman was an upright citizen of the State he loved
and he will be missed not only in the Legislature but also by his
host of friends in Mercer County and throughout the State of West
Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That regret and deep sorrow are hereby expressed at the
passing of Odell H. Huffman, legislator, public servant and friend
and heartfelt condolences are hereby extended to his family; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
forward copies of this resolution to the family of Odell H.
Huffman.