Kenneth D. Hughes
sFlowerLink="https://www.tfcbenton.com/"

Send Flowers

Visitation Schedule
First Baptist Church of Benton
211 South Market
Benton, AR  72015
Sunday, December 31, 2017
4:00 PM - 6:00PM
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First Baptist Church of Benton
211 South Market
Benton, AR  72015
Monday, January 1, 2018
1:00 PM
Memorial Contributions
Boys & Girls Club of Saline County
105 Cox St.
Benton, AR  72015
Kenneth D. Hughes

of Benton, AR

September 15, 1937 - December 28, 2017

On Thursday evening, December 28, Kenneth D. Hughes of Benton, AR, 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 September 15, 1937, in DeQueen, AR. 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 masters 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 February 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 mens 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 2nd 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 Kens life will be held Monday, January 1, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist-Benton. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 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.

Sign Guestbook

18 Condolence(s)
Mary Chenault Riggin
Silver Spring, MD
Liked
Friday, January 5, 2018

Helen, so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I know he was a great neighbor to my Dad, Hubert Chenault and I know Ann spoke so highly of you both as terrific neighbors.

Brent Davis
Benton, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Everyone knew Ken Hughes when I was growing up and we were fortunate for it. He is missed.

Cathy Dawson
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, January 1, 2018

Helen & Mary
I grew up with Mr. Ken and he was one of a kind for sure. He loved his church, his wife and his own children but love so many more. So sorry I missed the celebration today but Mark said it was amazing. Love you all and prayers will continue.
Cathy Dawson

Cathy Dawson
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, January 1, 2018

Helen & Mary
I grew up with Mr. Ken and he was one of a kind for sure. He loved his church, his wife and his own children but love so many more. So sorry I missed the celebration today but Mark said it was amazing. Love you all and prayers will continue.
Cathy Dawson

Randy & Debbie Jones
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, January 1, 2018

We are missing Ken already! He was a joy to know, always cheerful and full of good stories to tell. Our boys grew up loving him, especially Brent, who Ken always called "special." Even though we haven't been at the same church over the years, every time we met Ken somewhere, we just picked up where we left off last time! To you, Helen, and your wonderful children and grandchildren, we mourn your loss, but rejoice in your heavenly reunion one day. We hope our parents are part of the welcoming committee for Ken, along with our loving God Who will definitely say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Here is your glorious new sweater vest!"

David T. Hughes
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, January 1, 2018

When I heard the news it seemed like my clock stopped ticking and I was transported back to East Side Elementary and the year Mr. Hughes was my teacher. It was a time of personal tumult for me, but he just put his arm around me and said ... "WE will get through it."

I was blessed by God when our paths crossed so many years ago. When I finally moved home last year he suggested we get together for lunch, but to my profound sadness and loss there never seemed time ... Prayers for his family and the thousands of kids Mr. Hughes " ... got through it ..."

Mary
Benton, AR
Liked
Sunday, December 31, 2017

We enjoyed seeing Mr. Ken whenever he brought Sweetie in for her grooming appointments. I had met Mr. Ken before so it was nice seeing a familiar face when I started working at doggie daycare. He will forever be missed. On even the most hectic work days he could always make me laugh.

Mary
Benton, AR
Liked
Sunday, December 31, 2017

We enjoyed seeing Mr. Ken whenever he brought Sweetie in for her grooming appointments. I had met Mr. Ken before so it was nice seeing a familiar face when I started working at doggie daycare. He will forever be missed. On even the most hectic work days he could always make me laugh.

Ramona & Bryon Miller
Cabot, AR
Liked
Sunday, December 31, 2017

Uncle Ken has been the most Wonderful, Loving,Exhuberant, Fun Loving, Warm & Charismatic Man, one could ever hope to know. Good Fortune smiled on our family, gifting him us, every one. His hugs were legendary, as was his bursting into song, theatrically at the drop of a hat. He made us Fike kids feel like we were each uniquely special, & loved without measure. Our World has lost a Blazing Comet, whom will be Loved and missed more than words can say

mark stuckey
west palm beach, FL
Liked
Sunday, December 31, 2017

Dear Helen and Family
My heart goes out to you all. Mr. Ken was very special to me. He could always get a smile to come to my face. I do not think that he ever met a stranger. I can almost see him in heaven meeting and greeting in a great hall. Wishing I could be present for the celebration of a life well lived. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. A BIG HUG OVER THE WIRE TO YOU HELEN. I will miss my friend always!













Christie Willis Schade
,
Liked
Saturday, December 30, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Ken brightened any room he entered. Heaven is a little brighter now, too.

Jill Benson Lapaglia
Bryant, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 30, 2017

So sorry for the loss of such a great husband, father, grandfather and friend to us all. I remember when Ross was born spending the 4th of July at the house visiting. The loud booms made Ross cry and Ken got a blanket and covered his ears. Just one of many stories about a great man. I am sorry I won't be at the memorial or celebration service. We have grandkids staying with us this weekend. I know heaven is happy to have him home.

Linda
Benton, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 30, 2017

Mary, I’m very sorry for your loss. Ken was definitely a huge presence and always presented as the biggest personality in the room, softball field, or basketball arena. I always looked at him as a great, sweet man.
I regret that I had not seen him, in person, in many years. However, we have fb now so that helps a little. I also regret I am out of town through Tuesday, the 2nd, so I won’t be able to attend the celebration of his life. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you, even though I will not be physically there.
I love you Mary and look forward to seeing you next month!

Ramona Runions
Bluffton, SC
Liked
Saturday, December 30, 2017

Dearest Family,

It was truly my honor to meet Ken and share a Father’s Day with you. His laughter and generosity were present so sharing that special day will forever be a favorite memory for me.
Love and prayers for you as you rejoice in the life he lived and the sadnes you feel from the loss of his presence.

Ramona

Paul Johnson
Malvern, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 30, 2017

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Ken. I have known Ken since I went to school in the Benton School system. He was always nice and full of spirit. He will be missed by many. Prayers to the family and friends. May God lay his healing hands on you during this time.

Glen and Roxane Arnold
Benton, AR
Liked
Friday, December 29, 2017

Our dearest, sweet Ms. Helen and precious family -
We love you and pray for your comfort and peace only God can give. There is a whole in our hearts where Mr. Ken’s laughter and love for the Lord filled...for so many wonderful years. Can’t wait to see him when Jesus calls us all home. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with always... Roxane & Glen Arnold

Cathy Haley
Benton, AR
Liked
Friday, December 29, 2017

I am so saddened by the loss of this great man who considered everyone he met "family"! Amy, Mary Alice, I will be keeping you both in my prayers! Love to you all.

Kenny Hall
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Friday, December 29, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of Ken's passing away. He was a very nice guy that I have know for years when I was living in Benton and attending the First Baptist Church . God Bless Ken's family at this time. As a Christian Ken is with the LOVE OF CHRIST in Heaven now .