Gary Lee Hughes, 72, died December 14, 2019, at his home. He was born May 16, 1947, in Arkansas City, to James Ivan and Virginia (Sparks) Hughes.
Gary graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1965 and Kansas State University in 1973, where he completed both his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education and History. He student taught at Fort Riley Military Base and thoroughly enjoyed it. Gary then moved to Hutchinson, where he taught for 34 years at Hutchinson High School. He enjoyed teaching United States History, American Government, European History, and Russian History.
From 1979, until his retirement from Hutchinson High School, he served as the Social Studies Department Chair. In addition, he started teaching part-time in 1982, at Hutchinson Community College where he taught Russian History, Contemporary History, United States History, and American Government. He strived to make learning American History interesting and exciting, whether it was with posters, videos, special speakers, field trips, or dressing the part of those who made an impact on American History. As part of the student’s learning process, Gary organized trips with students from South-Central Kansas to Russia in 1996 and to the Soviet Union in 1988, in hopes he would expand their interest in American History through real-life avenues, rather than text books.
Gary was nominated, awarded, and honored as an outstanding teacher numerous times, and was awarded Educator of the Year in 1989, by his peers. He showed his commitment to the community through various programs and committees he helped to organize, including presentations from his field trips to Russia and the Soviet Union.
In addition to his teaching duties, Gary was involved in numerous boards, including the Historical Landmarks Preservation Commission, Human Relations Commission, and the Hutchinson Symphony Board. Currently, Gary served on the board of directors for the Arts and Humanities Council, Reno County Historical Society, Underground Salt Museum, and Mental Health Association for Reno County. He was selected as the Outstanding Community Leader by the local Altrusa International Club in 2007 and the Daughters of the American Revolution (Kansas Society) Teacher of the Year. In 2015, Gary also was the committee chair for KARSP (Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel).
With Gary’s historical knowledge, he was asked to serve as a consultant for the Reno County Museum for their World War II display and as a panelist for the Art and Humanities Workshop on World War II internment. Recently, he had helped organize and initiate the Boys State selection process for Hutchinson High School.
Once Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he, along with his wife, Peggy, started the local Parkinson Support Group as a way for others to support each other with the illness.
While at Kansas State University, Gary met the love of his life, Peggy Summers. They were married March 28, 1970, in Topeka.
Gary is survived by: his wife of almost 50 years, Peggy A. Summers Hughes; son, Geoffrey S. Hughes of The Colony, Texas; and beloved dog, Winston.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2019, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Private family service will take place Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, Van Buren, AR. Private family inurnment will follow in the family cemetery, Simmons Cemetery, Alma, AR. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salthawk Community Support, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Gary’s love of teaching and influence on his students is evident by the many thank you notes, cards, letters, and personal visits from former students, expressing their appreciation of Gary as their teacher. He truly touched the lives of many students.