Verle Ray Hughes

Verle Ray Hughes, age 86, of Lamar, passed away Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Barton County Memorial Hospital.      Verle Ray was born December 19, 1923, near Iantha, Missouri, the only child of Walter and Irma (Sumners) Hughes.  A life-long Barton County resident, Verle Ray graduated from Liberal High School in 1941.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a Purple Heart Recipient. On July 6, 1962, at Miami, Oklahoma, Verle Ray married Kathleen (Reaves) Reno and they had celebrated nearly 42 years together before her death March 7, 2004.       In addition to being a long-time farmer, Verle Ray owned and operated a lime hauling business and, in later years, delivered for Iantha Seed House.  Always active in his community, Verle Ray served on the Central Township Board and the Iantha Cemetery Board, was a former member of the Lamar Saddle Club as well as several bowling leagues.  Above all, Verle Ray enjoyed the fellowship of family and good friends.      Survivors include two step-daughters, Charlotte Coats, Springfield, Missouri, and Marilyn & husband, Dr. Robert Couch, Lamar; six grandchildren, Julie Barker, Greg Coats, Jackie Leininger, Rob Couch, Jenni Couch,  and Drew Couch; and eight great-grandchildren, Kristian Jeffries, Blair Groves, Jillian Leininger, Barrett Barker, Griffen Leininger, Blake Elam, Quinlan Couch, and Elise Couch.      Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday.  Burial will be in Iantha Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Barton County Memorial Hospital or Iantha Cemetery in care of Daniel Funeral Home.