Ward Lee Huet

Ward Lee Huet, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 6, 1939, in McCook, Nebraska, to Merle and Majel Huet , Ward grew up on a farm outside his hometown, graduating from McCook High School in 1958. Following high school, Ward moved to Denver, Colorado, where he worked for Martin Marietta building Titan Missiles and the Skylab Space Station. He later attended night classes at Metropolitan State College, earning a degree in mechanical engineering technology in 1971. It was in Denver that Ward met Joan, the love of his life. They lived across the hall from each other in the same apartment complex, and a bond blossomed between them. The two were married on October 8, 1961, in Lexington, Nebraska, surrounded by family and friends, before settling in Denver, where they started their family. After 14 years in Denver, the family returned to Nebraska in the spring of 1974, where they joined the family farm business and lived for 12 years. Ward then moved with his family to Tennessee, where he worked on B1 Bomber wings. In late 1987, they relocated to St. Augustine, Florida, where Ward and Joan both worked for Northrop Grumman. Ward served as an assembly inspector while Joan worked in the office, and both eventually retired from the company. Ward had a deep love for nature, animals, and especially horses. As a young man, he rode his horse, Devil, to school, forging a lifelong bond with animals. His passion for their protection was evident in his efforts to collect discarded fishing lines from parks, preventing animals from getting trapped. He would creatively repurpose the fishing lines, adding seashells to make art pieces. Ward also had a love for the beach, enjoyed people-watching, and found great joy in spending time with family. Known for his hands-on skills, Ward was an avid builder and creator. He crafted bird and squirrel feeders, walking sticks, and was a dedicated coin collector. His family was the center of his world, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense joy. Ward also had a beloved German Shepherd, King, who was his loyal companion and was a member of the family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Majel Huet ; his brother, Cullen Huet; and his sisters, Joyce Dennis and Jill Cooney. Ward survives by his devoted wife, Joan Huet; his brother, Layne Huet and his wife Mary; his children, Michelle Frecks and husband Monte, Todd Huet and wife Melinda and Eric Huet and wife Alane; his grandchildren, Cameron Frecks, Nate Frecks, Mackenzie Frecks, Samuel Huet, Allie Haley, Brittany Huet, Hannah Huet, Rylee Huet, Ethan Huet, Kendra Huet; and 10 great-grandchildren. Ward’s legacy will be remembered through his deep love for family, his intelligence, humility, and generous spirit. He will be missed dearly by all who have the privilege of knowing him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2pm at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to support K-9 for Warriors, the Diabetes Association, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Ward's honor. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ward Lee Huet

September 6, 1939 - February 10, 2025