Kenneth D. Hughes

On Thursday evening, Dec. 28, Kenneth D. Hughes of Benton, Ark., made his grand entrance into heaven! The only thing small about Ken was the town in which he was born. He entered this world on Sept. 15, 1937, in DeQueen, Ark. The second born of Floyd and Dell Hughes, he was pre-deceased by his only sibling, Bobby, who was killed in the Korean War. In the fall of 1955, Ken began a fun 3 years at Ouachita Baptist where he graduated in 1958 with a B.A. in Education. In 1959, he started on his master's degree at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. It was the summer of 1959 when he met Helen Leech of Benton. Ken and Helen were married Feb. 17, 1962, in Benton. Ken was "dad" to Amy (Scott) Lee, Matt (Shane) Hughes and Mary Alice Hughes. Ken also considered Lisa Bamburg to be his own. He was reunited with his other son, Ken Jr. (Little Ken), Thursday evening. He was "Papa" to Stephanie (Tim) Harrelson, Kimberly Lee, Anna, Jonathan, Caleb, Sarah Hughes and great-grandsons Ezekiel, Matthias and Kilian Harrelson. He was "Papa Ken" to many including Matt Moudy, Mandy Lane, Ryan Green, Allison Drennon, Elise Bamburg and his "special" Joel Bamburg. To Ramona, Steve, Laura, Carol, David and their children, he was "Uncle Ken" to their mother, Sarah Fike, he was a wonderful brother-in-law. An active member of First Baptist Church in Benton for 58 years, Ken was a former deacon and taught a men's Sunday School class. From 1967–1972, Ken served as music director at Trinity Baptist Church and then Calvary Baptist Church in Benton. Ken Hughes was larger than life and his heart filled the colorful sweater vests he wore! You had a friend for life after meeting him the first time. The many children who walked the halls of Westside Elementary, Caldwell Elementary and Ringgold Elementary knew first-hand that the big man had an even bigger heart. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most special person to him! In retirement, Ken was an active member of the Saline County Retired Teachers Association and was known for coming to the meeting late and announcing, "I'm here! What is going on?" Ken took a 17-year hiatus from the education profession and enjoyed a wonderful second career in real estate. The Saline County Board of Realtors named him "Realtor of the Year" in 1979. Many people have shared that Ken was the first person they met when they came to Benton. Who needed a "Welcome Wagon" when you had Ken Hughes! Jesus said, "Freely you have received. Freely give." Ken followed instructions. A celebration of Ken's life will be held Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 at 1 p.m., at First Baptist-Benton. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 from 4-6 p.m., in Selph Hall, First Baptist-Benton. A private burial will be held later. In lieu of flowers, Ken wanted memorials made to the Saline County Boys and Girls Club. He loved the Boys and Girls Club and was so proud that Benton had such a wonderful place for children. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.