Brad E. Huffaker, 52, of Parsons died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at his home.

He was born on Feb. 23, 1959, in Troy, Ohio, to Keith L. and Mary Ann (Studebaker) Huffaker. He grew up in Troy, where he graduated from Troy High School in 1977.

He earned a bachelor of music education degree in 1981 at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and taught string music and orchestra in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Dallas, where he continued his music studies at Southern Methodist University. In 1987, he moved to Laredo, Texas, where he was orchestra director and string instructor in the Laredo Independent School District for many years. While living in Laredo, he developed a love of Mexican-American culture and once developed an audio/visual titled “Life On The Rio Grande.” A lifelong student, Brad continued his education, earning an MA in sociology from Texas A & M International University and a BA in radio and television from Sam Houston University in Huntsville, Texas.

From August 1999 until the present, Brad had taught sociology and related courses at Labette Community College in Parsons. He enjoyed his teaching and had high expectations of his students. He often engaged his students and others in discussions regarding social issues and frequently wrote letters expressing his views on injustices which he viewed on social matters to those in authority. Brad enjoyed music and was an avid collector of records, CDs and DVDs.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Ann Cornell and her husband, Robert, of Troy, Ohio; two brothers, Craig A. Huffaker and his wife, Cindy, of Irvine, Calif., and his twin brother, Brian L. Huffaker, of Troy, Ohio; four sisters, Julia Lutz of Troy, Ohio, Jill Morris and her husband, Dave, of Oxford, Ohio, Amy Powell and her husband, John, of Glen Carbon, Ill., and Suzanne Meza and her husband, Aaron, of Burbank, Calif; his stepmother, Mary Ann Huffaker, of West Milton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Keith L. Huffaker; and his stepfather, Milton M. Mishler.

Cremation has taken place, and the memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Thiebaud Theater at Labette Community College.

Memorial contributions may be made to Labette Community College or the charity of the donor’s choice through Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be made at www.forbeshoffman.com.