Milton E. B. Hucke, 82, of Spring, Texas, ascended to Heaven on April 13 after a long illness.  He was born July 10, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland to Edward Hucke and Margaretta Warwick Hucke.  He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Louise Howard, on March 21, 1959 in Parkville, Maryland. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last month while Milton was hospitalized in Tomball.

Milton attended college in his hometown at University of Baltimore. An able athlete, he was a member of the UB baseball team before concentrating on his studies and marrying Nancy during his senior year. After graduating with a degree in business, he entered the United States Air Force in 1959. Returning from the heat of basic training at Lackland AFB, he declared he would never again set foot in Texas! His first assignment was at Homestead AFB, Florida, followed by a posting to Wiesbaden AB, West Germany. This coincided with the historic construction of the Berlin Wall. His daughter, Sondra, and son, Bryan, were born during his active duty military service.

Upon returning to civilian life in Maryland, Milton joined the Humble Oil and Refining Company (later Exxon) in 1964.  His son, Paul, was born in 1967. After an assignment in New Jersey, Milton moved with Exxon to the Houston area in 1976.  He retired from Exxon's tax accounting department in 1995 after 31 years of employment.  During his time with Esso/Exxon, Milton continued his life of service. From 1973-76 he served in the Maryland Air National Guard.  Later, he served in the Texas Air National Guard beginning in 1979.  He retired with 25 total years of service in 1996 while with the Houston-based 147th Fighter Wing.

Since 1977 Milton and Nancy have been steadfast, faithful fixtures at Tomball Bible Church. Milton was often the first to arrive, and last to leave on Sundays.

An avid outdoorsman, Milton enjoyed golf, travel, fishing, and woodworking. His kind, calm, caring, and cheerful spirit was a blessing to family and friends.  He possessed a servant's heart, a versatile singing voice, a talent for the saxophone, and a conspicuous sense of humor. He was partial to wearing bright suspenders and colorful neckties, particularly those with a patriotic theme.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Louise Benz. He is survived by his wife Nancy, three children: daughter Sondra Graves (Russ), sons Bryan and Paul (Lisa), brother Edward (Lillian), brother-in-law Gunther Benz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Tomball Bible Church on Monday, April 22. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., with the service following at 6:00 p.m. A family interment is planned at Houston National Cemetery at a time to be determined.  Donations in his honor may be made to the Tomball Bible Church missions program.