Smith Center – Michael Robert Hughes, 62, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017 at his home in Smith Center, Kan.

He was born Sept. 13, 1955 in Smith Center, the eldest of two sons born to Verla Mae (Stanhope) and Robert Duane Hughes.

Mike attended school in Smith Center, graduating from Smith Center High School in 1973.  While in school, Mike helped care for his friend Jeff Alden, who was wheelchair bound with muscular dystrophy.

Mike attended college for one semester and then returned home to work full time in Smith Center. It was during this time that Mike started a long line of community service. He was one of the youngest city council members ever elected at age 19 in 1975, and when he was re-elected, his peers voted him in as council president. Mike later became a member of Jaycees and Kiwanis, and served offices in both clubs. He was also an honorary member of Rotary. Mike was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for several years, serving on the board of directors and also as Chamber president for two terms. Though Chamber he served on various committees such as Retail Trade, Old Settlers and was on the board of directors of Center Theatre for many years.

In 1974, Mike started a part-time career that would have him traveling around the Midwest for many years. He later became the voice of several area race tracks, not only in Kansas but in Nebraska as well. “Huey” as he was known on the racing circuit, received several awards for his service to auto racing.

Mike became the “Voice of the Redmen” as he emceed sporting events at Smith Center Jr.-Sr. High School and did play-by-play for SCTV, the local school channel as well announcing and emceeing other events around the community as needed.

He served as city recreation director for several years working with both the youth and senior citizens of Smith Center. Mike cofounded the 6-Pack, a singing and comedy group that traveled around the area to entertain people of all ages. In his spare time Mike coached girls’ softball and helped with bingo at the Smith Center VFW.

Mike was a member of the New Covenant Church of Smith Center and enjoyed spending time with his church family and helping the church in various capacities. Mike also enjoyed playing cards and bingo, karaoke, dining out, going to movies, attending sporting, school and musical events; and spending time with his family and friends.

He loved to entertain people and loved to make people laugh.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, uncles Mason Stanhope, Lile Goebel and Charles Hughes; aunts Faye Goebel and Maxine Rush; and cousins Paul Goebel and Linda (Hughes) Relihan.

He is survived by his brother Mitchell (Donelle) Hughes of Smith Center; two nieces Alaina (Matt LaBarge) Hughes of Smith Center, Aurielle (David) Berry of Hays; nephew Anden (Sierra) Hughes of Hays; great-nephews Gavin, Justin and Braxton Hughes and great-niece Zaylee Hughes; uncle Donald (Wilma) Hughes of Smith Center; aunt Marilyn Hughes of Smith Center and several cousins and a multitude of friends.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at Smith Center High School, 300 Roger Barta Way, Smith Center, with Pastor Mike Gooder officiating. There will not be a public visitation as cremation was chosen. Private family inurnment will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Mike Hughes Memorial Fund and sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS  66967.