Kenneth Wayne “Ken” Hughes was born in Indianapolis, IN on December 13, 1947 to Robert K. and Louise (Harding) Hughes. His only sibling, Bob, was his teammate and buddy for life.
Ken was an active and inquisitive young man. His high school years were rich with activities. A strong athlete, he earned multiple letters in wrestling and baseball. Socially active, Ken was elected student council treasurer, Key Club sergeant at arms and prom committee chairman, and he sang in the choir and sat on the senior council. Ken was also the regimental commander of his high school ROTC program. He graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in 1965 and earned an appointment to West Point from Congressman Andrew Jacobs, 11th District (Indiana).
Ken joined the Corps of Cadets in 1965 and was assigned to Company B-3. Ken developed a reputation as a highly competitive athlete who gave many pounds of sweat as a member of the Academy’s intercollegiate wrestling team. He was also a key member of his company’s brigade championship intramural softball team. Ken was also blessed with a talent and a love for singing and shared this gift as a member of the Glee Club, the Cadet Chapel Choir, and as a frequent contributor to the sing-a-longs at Snuffy’s. Ken was a social guy. While he had the ability to be on the dean’s list every semester, Ken favored playing cards late into the night and engaging his classmates in deep discussions on life. A passage from his Class Legacy Book reflects his love of life: “Above all when we saw the twinkle appear in his eye, we knew some audacious prank was not far behind.” Ken always went out of his way to draw out and encourage classmates. One plebe year roommate recalled, “I remember a whole lot more time spent talking about life than studying, and at the end of the day, that is what West Point has come to mean to me. Yes, we learned and we prepared to enter the Army and the life that followed, but more importantly we grew into a brotherhood. That is what Kenny Hughes meant to me.”
Ken branched Signal Corps, a natural calling for a smart, outgoing lieutenant. After the basic course, Ken was assigned to Fort Hood, TX, where he commanded A Company, 141st Signal Battalion. Even in those early days of active duty, Ken was fondly remembered by one of his enlisted men as a strong leader who built esprit de corps in his troops. “I held Ken in high regard as a true leader. He will be missed,” he said in a eulogy years later. In 1971, Ken was off to Vietnam, where he commanded the 525th Signal Company in support of the 1st Cavalry Division. Returning to the States, Ken completed the Signal Corps Advanced Course and was selected to serve on the staff and faculty at West Point. Ever a Hoosier, Ken earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering at Purdue University. He then taught four years in the Department of Earth, Space, and Graphic Sciences. With a new respect for the power of education, Ken taught in the day and earned an MBA from CW Post University at night.
Ken was next assigned to Germany, where he served on the 3rd Armored Division staff and ultimately as the executive officer of the 143rd Signal Battalion. Returning to the states he served a year at CECOM before attending the Army’s Command and General Staff College. There, he once again excelled at his studies and was recognized as an Honor Graduate. Ken then returned to Indiana as a chief analyst, Soldier Support Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Major Hughes retired in 1989.
His second career centered on the healthcare industry. Back in Indianapolis, Ken worked as a director with the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and as a staff Vice President with the healthcare services provider WellPoint. A dutiful and caring member of his community, Ken belonged to both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, and served on the Indianapolis Board of Public Works.
Ken married Peggy Keeler in December 1969. They had two children, Carrie and Kenny. Carrie recalls, “I am sure many can relate to the ‘challenges’ growing up the child of a West Pointer. We were issued detailed itineraries on everything we did. Even weekend plans were itemized. He pushed us to do better in school, to strive to achieve and to build that resume. While this seemed arduous at times, it made us into the capable, independent people we have become. Life with Dad also provided us with unique experiences that my children envy, like living overseas.” He later had two more sons, Michael and Matthew, with his second wife, Mari Dombrovske. Ken coached their soccer teams and often took them to Colts football games. Michael sums up his Dad with this often heard quote, “That’s what I am talking about!” when they had succeeded in meeting his expectations. Ken loved spending time with his grandchildren: Ashleigh, Andrew, Grace, Mia, and Brady. Sadly he passed away suddenly on January 1, 2011, before meeting grandchildren Louise, Graham, and Nolan. Every family has its cherished memories and its conflicts. May his children and grandchildren remember the happy times and how proud he was of them. Ken was also proud of being a Hoosier and a member of the Long Gray Line. While memories fade with time, we all remember his infectious smile and his love of family, country, and life. May he rest in peace!
— Family and Classmates