Jule Huffman tapes a “Mr. Cartoon” show at the WSAZ studios on Oct. 23, 1987.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Remember the magic words: Please, thank you, you’re welcome, excuse me and I’m sorry.
Generations of Tri-State residents heard that sentence every weekday during childhood – not always from their parents, but always from Mr. Cartoon.
“Mr. Cartoon, Jule Huffman, by example, focused on the importance of basic principles, good manners, respect for others, along with the importance of attending a religious service of some type on the weekends. He was a local television icon that positively impacted my life and the lives of many,” said Fred Kitchen, of Milton. His funeral home, Henson and Kitchen in Barboursville, will be conducting services for Huffman, who died Thursday in Heritage Center of Huntington at the age of 91.
It wasn’t just the kids in the studio of WSAZ getting a lesson on good manners, his children at home got it, too, said son Marvin Huffman.
“We had fantastic parents and learned our work ethic from him,” he said. “I wouldn’t be the responsible adult I am today (without that teaching).”
Jule Huffman came to Huntington in the early 1950s to be vocalist on the local show, “Coffee Time…