Michael Kent Hughes, 61, passed away October 29, 2019, in Hilliard, OH.  He was born May 29, 1958, in Hutchinson.  Mike was preceded in death by his father, Emmett W. Hughes and mother, Sarah 'Sue' (Gibson) Hughes.

He married Debrah Ellen Spence on February 18, 1983.  They later divorced.  Mike married Elizabeth 'Lisa' Gehringer on September 19, 1992, in Warrington, VA.  She died December 23, 2011.

He is survived by:  his brother, Jack Emmett Hughes; sisters, Barbra Clendening and Nancy Jill (Ted) Crank; nieces, Julia Hughes and Jennifer Hughes; nephews, Dar (Kay) Holden, Jack Hughes, Norman (Sadie) Inch; great-niece, Hanna Inch; great-nephew, Emmett Inch; sister-in-law, Susan Spotts; and brother-in-law, Grant Gehringer.

Mike graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1976.  He then attended Kansas State University.  Mike also attended and received an Extensive Certified Novell Engineering Degree for Computer Technician Support in Florida.

He joined the United States Army on September 9, 1981.  Mike received the classification of Special Bandsperson and was assigned to the most prized #1 band, The Old Guard, included and known as The Fife and Drum Corps.  The Old Guard entertained and performed for dignitaries from all over the world, including President Ronald Reagan and previous United States presidents.  He was released from active duty with an honorable discharge.  Mike was awarded many special medals.

He was interested in music early in life, specializing in percussion.  Mike was a member of the Jets Feeder Corps, and moved right into the nationally recognized and acclaimed, Hutchinson Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.  He was a member until aging out.  Bringing his fundamental, rudimentary, technical precision with him to the United States Army gave him the opportunity to receive an extremely polished position in the Old Guard Band.

After his United States Army assignment, Mike continued with his extensive computer technician education and received an assignment to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he continued serving the United States government until moving to Columbus (Hilliard), OH, to work for a private technical company.  He ended at that company and became a partner in the Run of the Mill Pub.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson High School Music Department, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.