Dr. Merrill W. Huffman

Dr. Merrill W. Huffman, 89, died on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 at Meadow Brook Health Center in Urbana.

Merrill was born on July 29, 1929, in Toledo, Illinois, to W. Logan and Delores Huffman. Merrill was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, and his parents.

Merrill is survived by his five children, Cathy Huffman, Michael (Dawn) Huffman, Beth Huffman Voss, David Huffman, Ann Huffman Rauh; and 11 grandchildren.

Merrill grew up in central Illinois and graduated from Champaign High School in 1947. Merrill went on to study medicine at the University of Illinois, and after graduating served as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Huffman joined Carle Clinic in 1960 as its fourth obstetrics and gynecology physician, where he practiced for 36 years until his retirement in 1996. Dr. Huffman was one of the first Carle physicians to perform laparoscopy procedures and routine fetal monitoring on obstetric patients. He then introduced the routine fetal monitoring technique to local physicians and nurses in 1971.

Dr. Huffman served on The Carle Foundation Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1995. He also served on The Carle Development Foundation Board of Trustees and the New Heights Campaign Retired Physician Committee. Shortly after Dr. Huffman’s retirement, he teamed with The Carle Center for Philanthropy and introduced “Women at Midlife: The Merrill Huffman Education Series,” a community event featuring national and local experts focused on topics of interest to women at midlife. In 2008, Dr. Huffman received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Carle Medical Staff.

Merrill had many interests including time with his family, the outdoors, world travel, photography, and good books. Merrill and Barbara were strong supporters of University of Illinois sports, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Carle Center for Philanthropy, and many other local charities.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church St., Champaign, on Saturday, January 26, at 10:00 a.m. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Carle Development Foundation - Dementia Care and Research, 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801; the American Cancer Society; the First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Merrill W. Huffman, please visit our floral store.