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BORN
1956
DIED
2024
Robert Hughes Obituary
April 28, 1956 - June 14, 2024
Valley Center, Kansas - Robert Monroe "Bob" Hughes, JD, LLM, of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away June 14, 2024. He was born April 28, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert Harvey Hughes and Nancy Jane Dickey Hughes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Kelli Snook. He is survived by his wife, Janeen Hughes, to whom he had been married 31 years; daughters Melissa Gerlach, Megan Hughes, and Molly Hageman (Tyler); two grandchildren, Katherine Gerlach and Adam Gerlach; a sister, Gwenetth Hughes Gepford (Rick); and multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Bob graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kansas. He was an Eagle Scout. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Kansas, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He continued his education and graduated with a Juris Doctor from Washburn University and a Master of Laws (Taxation) from Southern Methodist University. He was an attorney and partner at Bever Dye, LC, since 1983 and practiced in the areas of taxation, trusts and estates, elder law, wills, probate, asset protection, succession planning, and business planning.
Bob had a generous heart and giving spirit, and he was actively involved in his community. He served as a Trustee of the Dwane L and Velma Hunt Wallace Charitable Foundation, a Fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation, a former Board Member for Senior Services of Wichita, Inc., and a Past Trustee of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. He was an avid scuba diver, baker, beekeeper, animal lover, and traveler. His travels took him around the world where he touched numerous lives. One place special to his heart was Ireland as he was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and even went through the difficult process to obtain dual citizenship. His last adventure was spent in Belize enjoying his favorite passion, scuba diving. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, but we know he has already scouted out the best chocolate and pastries in Heaven.
There will be a visitation at 9:00 a.m. with funeral to follow at 10:00 a.m. June 28, 2024, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N Rock Road, Wichita, Kansas 67226.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to the Divers Alert Network Endowment, Kechi United Methodist Church, or PBS Kansas Channel 8.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hughes
David Booth
July 4, 2025
I just found out about Bob
My sincere condolences to the Hughes. Bob was special and I have good memories of our high school days.
I always knew that he would share with the world his many gifts and spirit.
I know that he is with our lord
Mary Freeman
June 16, 2025
Dear Janeen-Hard to believe it has been a year since we lost Robert. I became a widow 12 years ago where I had lived with my husband for 23 years in Burlington Kansas- I still miss my husband but glad I moved in with my daughters family 8 years ago and found a new church home here in Kechi only 3 blocks away from where I live. So glad we are both members of the Kechi United Methodist Church. In Christ's love Mary Freeman
Dave and Eileen Kiehl
March 18, 2025
We met Bob when we needed a tax attorney and later an estate attorney. We greatly admired him both professionally and personally. We were saddened to hear of his passing last summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Greg & Phyllis Guinn
October 18, 2024
Janeen & family... we are just now learning of Bob´s passing & are absolutely heartbroken for you. We are shocked & saddened by this news! Our warmest thoughts & prayers go out to you as we remember this sweet man. He was a wonderful lawyer, husband & father & we loved his foodie stories! In sympathy & love.. Greg & Phyllis Guinn
Wayne Bryan
October 6, 2024
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. His energy and bright spirit seemed so strong and present, it's hard to believe that he has left us. I am so grateful for his help and friendship, and I send my deepest condolences to Janeen and his family. I am profoundly glad to have enjoyed the pleasure of his friendship, his insight, his humor, and his guidance. Thanks so much, Bob! Fondly, Wayne Bryan
Britt A Moore
September 3, 2024
Just Heard of your passing. You left an impression on me.
The Coyner Family
July 1, 2024
Sincere condolences for your sudden loss!! The Coyner family will be forever grateful for Bob's knowledge and guidance through our Dad's difficult transition. He was a huge asset to all who knewe him, and he will be greatly missed!! Love The Coyner Family
Dennis Ross
June 28, 2024
Bob was our estate lawyer. He always handled all of our estate planning with great professionalism. He was quiet spoken but well versed in all of the tax consequences that we would face. He conveyed a quiet confidence and we had a great deal of respect for him. He will be missed by us and I'm sure by many others. Dennis and Ann Ross
Lori ewell
June 26, 2024
Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Galen and Lori Newell
Kelly Callen
June 26, 2024
I am so very sorry to learn of Bob's accident. We worked together at the Historical Museum, and he was one of the best board members I've ever worked with. His quiet demeanor paired with his great way of handling things made my life so much easier. And his smile was calming. One of the nicest people I've ever known. He will be missed by many. I am one of those many.
Alan Burkett and Brian Allender
June 25, 2024
Our hearts go out to you, Janeen and family. Bob was truly one of the kindest of human beings. We´ll miss our conversations with him at the Y.
Steph Paige
June 25, 2024
Divers all around the world are discussing Bob and we send his family love at this time,
Laurel, Chris, Karen & everyone at Senior Services
June 25, 2024
Bob was an amazing friend and advocate for Senior Services of Wichita. In addition to service on our Board of Directors, he secured start up funds to help us remodel our building. Our hearts are broken to hear about his passing. Love and prayers to his family, friends and everyone at Bever Dye. We will never forget him!
Derek ewart
June 25, 2024
Fellow diver from London ,England ,I am very sorry for your loss .My prayers go out to you all at this sad time .Robert the world is a poorer place for your passing .God bless you all
Derek -London ,England
Bill Fields
June 25, 2024
I have many fond memories of Bob from our days in Washburn Law School. I was shocked to hear of his passing. Bob is a friendly genuine person I respect and will miss. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Sheryl Lampkin Mortko
June 24, 2024
May your family feel your love always...in all ways, Bob. We were a handful for Mr. Gish in band and I will always remember your laughter. Ornery and kind is a magical combination and I'm grateful for our friendship. We will toast you at the reunion here in a couple of months. Save us a seat...we'll catch up with you soon.
Bob & Irene Lukowitz
June 24, 2024
Janeen and family, we are so sorry for this great loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Victoria Chandler
June 24, 2024
Bob Hughes was truly a wonderful person. He was always very kind to me. I will keep you and your family in prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Rich & Victoria
Jeffery Carmichael
June 24, 2024
I have known Bob for years and have been a neighbor for the last 15 years. Bob was a great guy, upbeat and positive and easy to be around. I was stunned to hear of his passing. I spoke with Janeen as I preparing to leave on vacation and she told me Bob was out on scuba diving adventure. My thoughts are with Janeen and the family that has suffered this loss.
Greg Allen
June 23, 2024
Bob was a special person and a great friend. I first met Bob in 7th grade and we became lifelong friends. We had some fun times together through junior high/high school and at KU. A couple of ski trips to Colorado, going to the lake, and just hanging when we could. As time passed we saw less of each other, but when we did it was like old times. His thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity will be missed by all who knew him. Godspeed my friend.
Prayers to Janeen and the family.
Fred Shanks
June 22, 2024
My heart was broken when I learned of Bob´s passing. He was a client who quickly became a very good friend. I was a recommended barber from a mutual friend and that relationship lasted until I retired in 2023. We had many things in common and 30 minutes passed much to quickly. He had great stories of adventures in scuba diving, traveling to Ireland and raising bees and favorite places to eat. We would talk about his honey harvest and started trading Woodburn Shanks BBQ sauce { my son´s restaurant in West Virginia} for honey. One of the saddest things about retirement is losing contact with the friends you see on a regular basis, Bob is one of those friends. I will miss our conversations, but I will have those wonderful memories we shared. To Janeen and family, my deepest sympathies to you and your families. Hold the precious times and memories close to your heart and share them with a smile.
Chris McCreary
June 22, 2024
We didn't get together too often after I moved to KC but whenever we did, we'd pick up talking and kidding around like no time had past. That's a rare commodity and I treasured our friendship. Bob was a great guy and I will miss him.
He's probably checking out all the places to visit in Heaven, and seeing if they have any cooking classes available. My condolences go out to Janine and the rest of his family.
Tammie Maloney
June 22, 2024
I always looked forward to our conversations when we quickly did our business and moved on to travel, food, bees, and even politics. I enjoyed his wit and wisdom and will miss him greatly.
Mary Freeman
June 22, 2024
Robert Hughes has been working with all of the members of the Kechi United Methodist church-to get our finances back on track after being closed because of covid, and loosing members to other churches and the percent of older members is getting higher- who are no longer working. Robert and Janeen have both been attending out Kechi Church and Janeen as became a member of our choir. I know he will be missed by all who knew him and his family as well. In Christ Love Mary Freeman
Jerry Juhnke
June 22, 2024
Very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. The family will be in my prayers.
Wendy and Blaine
June 22, 2024
Bob was a great diver. We loved taking trips with him and his wife, Janeen. You will be sorely missed in our diving community. I imagine you will be missed in all the groups in which you moved because you had such a kind heart and touched so many. We will miss but take comfort knowing you are in heaven with our savior. Special prayers for comfort for your family. God bless!
Mark and Linda
June 21, 2024
It was such a pleasure to travel with Bob scuba diving. Wish we had spent more time with him. He struck us a sincerely kind and humble man.
Dr. Jerzy and Lidia Slomka
June 21, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Megan
June 21, 2024
Bob was a wonderful, kind man I had the pleasure of connecting with through work many years ago. My condolences and thoughts to his family and friends.
Debi Wagner Apple
June 21, 2024
I met Bob as a sophomore at SM West where we were band mates. He had such a fun personality and was great to be around! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. You will be missed at the 50th reunion, my friend.
Cathleen A. Gulledge
June 20, 2024
Feel so very sad for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
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