Herbert ‘Herb’ Soukup, 83, of Hutchinson, died December 22, 2019, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. He was born October 25, 1936, in Ellsworth, KS, to Joseph and Dessie (Grubb) Soukup.
Herb was a 1955 graduate of St. John’s Military School, Salina, KS, where in 1995, he received a Distinguished Graduate distinction. He received a BS in education from College of Emporia in 1959, and an MS in education from Emporia State University in 1964. It was in Emporia that Herb met his wife, Shanna (Blees) Soukup. They were married January 24, 1959, in Lyle, KS. After beginning their lives in Hudson, KS, Herb and Shanna settled in Hutchinson in 1966. They were united in marriage for over 60 years.
From 1959-1966, Herb was an educator at Hudson High School, Hudson, KS. Herb taught business and typing at Hutchinson High School from 1966-1974. He joined the USD 308 business office in 1974, and later became director of purchasing and data processing, retiring in 1998. While with USD 308, Herb also served as a driver’s education instructor and football coach at Liberty Jr. High and Hutchinson YMCA.
In retirement, Herb continued to serve the Hutchinson community by volunteering with the Reno County Food Bank, Reno County Sheriff Senior Patrol, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, and as a board member for the Reno County Food Bank, Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Hutchinson Community College, and Faith in Action of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Herb was preceded in death by: his wife, Shanna. He is survived by: daughters, Pam Kirk of Lawrence, and Jonelle Barrett of McKinney, TX; son, Monte (Molly) Soukup of Lawrence: and grandchildren, Benjamin and Paige Soukup, and Rachel Barrett.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with The Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Food Bank of Reno County or Salthawk Community Support, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Herb’s family would like to thank the families, residents and staff of Reflection Living for their loving and exceptional care and kindness.