Kern Michael Hughes Sr., 70,

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, manufacturing company executive and avid golfer, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 in Denton, Texas. He had been a Green Valley resident.

He was born on Jan. 9, 1934 in Stamford, Texas, the son of Hollis and Winnie (King) Hughes. On June 5, 1954, he was united in marriage to Georgia Ann Muehlstein. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps in the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Texas to complete his Bachelors degree in education at Texas Tech University.

Kern then went to work for Collins Radio, later Rockwell International, and held many positions within the company in the U.S. and internationally.

He left Rockwell to continue a distinguished career at other manufacturing firms including Ampex Corp. in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he won the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

After retirement, Kern and his wife, Ann moved to Green Valley, where they enjoyed golfing and civic endeavors. They also enjoyed traveling and visiting many friends and family, especially their eight grandchildren.

Kern was full of life, had a great sense of humor, and was a constant source of strength to his family. We shall miss his unique spirit greatly.

His parents, Hollis and Winnie; mother-in-law, Anne Muehlstein; and brother, Melvin, precede him in death.

Survivors include his loving wife for over 50 years, Georgia Ann Muehlstein Hughes of Denton; daughter, Margaret Dupont of Dallas, Texas; sons, Michael Hughes of Wilmington, N.C., Kevin Hughes of San Antonio, Texas; Mark Hughes of Colorado Springs, and Larry Hughes of Carrollton; eight grandchildren, Eric, Laura, Jason and Katie Dupont, Hollie and Kristie Hughes, Jaimie and Kari Hughes; father-in-law, Johnny Muehlstein and his wife Evelyn of West; & sister, Sarah Vohs.

Services were held during the weekend in West, Texas. Arrangements by Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, Texas.