MCKINNEY, Texas — Jeff “Coach” Huckaba, Packard regional sales manager (South Central), passed away unexpectedly at his home in McKinney, Texas, over the weekend.

Huckaba was a native of Texas but had deep roots in Missouri and Kansas. Growing up as a dependent of a Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he grew up all over the world. In 1977, his father retired, and his family moved to Marshfield, Missouri. While at Marshfield, he was active in athletics lettering in both football and baseball. After graduation he went on to play college football and baseball at Central Methodist University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education, graduating in 1985.

Huckaba started his career teaching and coaching in Fayette, Missouri, and continued in that field until 2008. After leaving Fayette High School he started coaching at Kemper Military School and College in Boonville, Missouri. While at Kemper, he was named the Defensive Coordinator, achieving national rankings in both 1990 and 1991, 8th and 1st rankings respectively. After moving to Overland Park, Kansas, he coached football and swimming at Belton High School. He later moved to Texas in 2001, and coached football and wrestling in Garland, Dallas, and McKinney. He finally hung up his whistle and cleats in 2008.

In 2008, Huckaba entered the HVAC industry taking the position of territory sales manager with a sheet metal manufacturer, Standex ADP (Snappy). In his first full year with the company, 2009, he was named the “Salesman of the Year.” After leaving Standex ADP, he went to work for Goodman Distribution as the regional parts manager in Carrollton, Texas. After this he took a job as regional sales manager for a start-up manufacturer, Evolve Composites, who was then sold to Diversitech in 2013. In December of 2013, Huckaba accepted the position of regional sales manager with Packard.

He is survived by his ex-wife Kristi Huckaba, and his two daughters, McLaren (16) and Taylor (24). Jeff was 58 years old.