Services held Tuesday for Don
Architect was involved in several island projects

Donald Floyd "Don" Huff of Port Aransas died after a sudden illness Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at an Aransas Pass hospital. He was 54.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 3, at the First Baptist Church of Port Aransas.

Huff was born Oct. 18, 1953, in St. Louis, Mo. He attended schools in Fort Smith, Ark. where he graduated from Southside High School. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree through a six-year professional program of study at the University of Arkansas School of Architecture.

Huff's interest in design and architecture was evident from an early age, beginning with projects as an intern in high school and continuing through architectural design and development throughout his life. His career began in Boulder and Aspen, Colo., where he was involved in the design and construction of The Inverness Lodge, the Hotel Boulderado, Aspen Executive Center, Columbine Meadows, the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District, the Manitou Springs Mainstreet USA, Inc, and other projects. He was a licensed architect in Texas, Florida and Colorado; a registered historical architect in Colorado, and an active member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He was designated as a Main Street USA Historical Architect in Colorado and Wyoming.

Huff and Susan Soule moved to Port Aransas in 1996 where they established Development Systems, Don Huff and Associates, and Kitchens Plus. His contributions to Port Aransas' architectural style include community facilities such as the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, and the Cultural Center/Festival Site. Commercial projects in Port Aransas include The Shops at Port Aransas, Littleton's Landing, Taqueria San Juan, Northgate Mini Mall and Momentum.

Huff was active in residential development, including the Sand Point subdivision, Sea Shell Village, Signal Point Townhomes, Costa del Rey Condominiums and more than 40 custom residential homes. He collaborated with Stan Starrett on the design of Beachwalk I. He also worked on the Aransas Princess Condominiums, Lone Palm Motel and Lost Colony Villas in addition to numerous other condominium units. At the time of his death, he was constructing a four-story condominium building at Beach Gate, the Tower Center, and several custom homes.

A member of First Baptist Church of Port Aransas, he lived by Matthew 25:40, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." He served his community as a member of the Port Aransas Board of Appeals and as "The Trash Guy" for the Texas SandFest.

Huff loved motorcycles and old cars and rode with the Cushman Club of America. He liked to spend time relaxing in his boat and frequenting the Port Aransas social clubs.

Huff is survived by Susan Soule, his parents, Floyd and Martha Huff of Joplin, Mo., and Jim and Robbie Slevin of Camdenton, Mo.; brothers Rob Huff of Rifle, Colo. and James Slevin of California; sisters Kim Todd and Jody Farri of California; Soule's children, Zac Soule, Colby Soule and Carly Soule; four grandsons and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 3032, Corpus Christi, TX, 78463; First Baptist Church of Port Aransas to sponsor children's participation in summer camp, 200 N. Station St., Port Aransas, TX, 78373; the University of Arkansas School of Architecture for scholarships, the Island Animal Clinic for spay/neuter services, 319 Beach Ave., Port Aransas, TX, 78373, or a charity of choice.