John Edwin Huett, cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home surrounded by family on December 5, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 11, 1945, in Brownwood, Texas, to Clarence (CL) Huett and Isla Isham Huett, John grew up in Comanche and graduated from Comanche High School in 1963.
John pursued his education at The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated from the UT School of Pharmacy in 1969. A proud member of Phi Delta Chi, UT’s pharmacy fraternity, John returned home to work alongside his father and brother-in-law, Gyale Pirkle, at Service Drug on the northwest corner of Comanche Square. In 1977, they moved the pharmacy to a larger location across the street, continuing to serve the community for decades.
Beyond his role as a trusted pharmacist, John dedicated much of his life to serving the City of Comanche. He served multiple terms on the Comanche City Council, including as Mayor pro tempore under Mayor Clarence Schwartz. John’s civic contributions were many: he spearheaded the installation of the first marquee sign to welcome visitors to Comanche Square and later advocated for the upgraded digital sign. He played a key role in the construction of the Mental Health/Senior Citizens building, still in use today as the “Comanche Senior Citizens Club,” and he headed the committee responsible for building the city’s new water tower.
A passionate student of American history—particularly Texana and the American West—John’s legacy shines through his work in preserving Comanche’s heritage. Among his proudest achievements was the founding of the Comanche County Historical Museum with the assistance of City Attorney Jim Dudley. He appointed its first board of directors, including Ben Evridge, Gaston Boykin, and Herbert Goodson. In later years, John oversaw the installation of 12 historical markers around the Comanche Square, as well as architectural pieces depicting a Comanche Chief, Longhorn cattle, and a bison, leaving a lasting tribute to the town’s unique history.
John found joy in many pursuits. He was an accomplished golfer who celebrated five holes-in-one and an avid UT Longhorn football fan who rarely missed a game. He shared a love of Harley motorcycles with his beloved wife, Jan, and together they explored countless miles of open road. Above all, John was deeply devoted to enhancing the Comanche Square, ensuring its history would captivate and inspire generations to come.
John was preceded in death by his parents, CL and Isla Huett. He is survived by his wife, Jan; his sister, Peggy Pirkle (Gyale); his three sons, Dr. Jason Huett (Kim) of Georgia, Ryan Huett (Tammy) of Oregon, and Bryce Huett (Alice) of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren (Caleb, Jonathan, Lucas, Willow, Ian, Jack, Isla, Rhyan, and Reid); one great-grandchild (Sawyer Lee); and two stepchildren, Brent and Cailin Daugherty.
A private memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared with family and close friends when plans are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to two of John’s favorite causes: the Comanche County Historical Museum (https://www.comanchecountytxmuseum.com/) and Comanche All Pets Alive (CAPA) (https://comancheapa.org/).
Arrangements are with Heartland Funeral Cremation Services of Comanche (www.heartlandfuneralhome.net).
