Craig Kent Huckstep

Craig Kent Huckstep went home to be with the Lord on February 29, 2008.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, Murrieta, CA; daughters Shaun Dymek, Fullerton, CA, and Kecia Jones, Irvine, CA; sons Kip Huckstep, Vista, CA, Arran Huckstep, Colorado Springs, CO, and Major John Huckstep, Colorado Springs; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Kent, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Kansas City, MO, in 1935 and married Nancy Simms, also of Kansas City, in 1958.

In the early 1960s, after their three children were born, Kent and Nancy moved to California, where he worked as a computer programmer. In his 43-year career, Kent worked for most of the major computer manufacturers in southern California.

When Nancy passed away in 1979, Kent was a single father until he met and married Mary Loeber, in 1982, and adopted her two sons. The couple lived in Fallbrook from 1995 to 2007.

Kent was known for many things: his sharp wit, love of practical jokes, ability to dance with every woman at a family wedding, zeal for playing basketball and pool games with his children, rowdy Wiffle Ball games with his grandchildren, funny faces and silly voices and ability to play poker until all hours of the night.

On a more serious note, Kent was passionate about the importance of having strong families as the basic building block of a healthy society. He worked with many churches in northern San Diego County to keep members informed about issues and concerns which affect the American family.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Kent’s life on Saturday, March 8, at 2 p.m. in the Spring Knolls Clubhouse, 38441 Via La Paloma, in Murrieta. Pastor Jared Krause of West Coast Life Church will preside.

Since Kent always said everyone should wear Bermuda shorts to his memorial service and no one should wear a tie, please dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Birth Choice of San Marcos.