Mic Huddleston is going to get more time, as he put it, “for goofin’ around with old cars, Army trucks, but especially grandkids.”

That’s what Mic, the Great Bend Area Supervisor for the Kansas Department of Transportation, shared about his upcoming plans. After 32 years of devoted service with KDOT, he is retiring effective Aug. 5.

In those 32 years, Huddleston started in Lyons, then worked as a Great Bend mechanic’s helper. He later worked in various equipment operator jobs in La Crosse and Great Bend, then as an equipment mechanic. After a series of promotions, he worked his way to Great Bend Subarea Supervisor and, lastly, to Great Bend Area Crew Supervisor. He’s had that last position since 2013.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment and have no regrets,” he said.

So, about those old cars and Army trucks: Huddleston said he’s had a 1965 Mustang “that I’ve goofed around with since high school.” He and his father have worked on or restored “retro rods” and race cars. Huddleston is a member of a group that rebuilds World War II military vehicles. Their “newest,” he said, is a 1944 model.

He and his wife Sandy plan to remain in Barton County. They have a “cool old house,” built in 1906, “out in the country,” he said. “I plan to be buried in my old Mustang in the back yard — I don’t want to move anymore.”

Mic and Sandy have three children, Cody, Kade and Kelsie, and three grandchildren, Charley Rose, Kason and Kouper.