Thomas "Tom" Lee Hughes, 68, of Knob Noster passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, surrounded by his family in Lee's Summit, MO.

Tom was born on March 26, 1956, in Sedalia, MO to Roy Lee Hughes and Erma Kathleen (Duffer) Hughes. He attended Knob Noster schools, graduating in 1974 where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball and track. He held the school shot-put record for over thirty years. After high school, Tom attended Central Missouri State University where he played football for the Mules and was an active member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Tom had a great sense of pride in his community as well as a passion for sports. He shared his enthusiasm by working with Garry Walker to bring youth football to Knob Noster in 2000. He later fostered the creation and development of the Knob Noster Youth basketball program. Tom helped to lay the foundation for sports for Knob Noster youth by coaching his sons and their friends for many years in t-ball, baseball, basketball and football. After his coaching years ended, he continued his support of Panther athletics from the bleachers. He created a committee to recognize exceptional athletes at the high school level by researching school athletic records and encouraging the district to purchase the digital record boards currently on display at the high school. Tom's dedication to his community didn't stop with athletics. He ran and was elected to serve on the Knob Noster Board of Education. During his term, he was instrumental in helping the district acquire the property needed to build the new high school currently under construction.

Tom also served his nation with pride for 30 years as a civil servant at Whiteman Air Force Base where he received several awards for his work ethic and suggestions to improve efficiency. During his tenure at WAFB he also served as a union steward.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and step father, Roy Epple.

Tom is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jane (Carr) Hughes, two sons, Brad (Lauren) Hughes of Belton, MO; Brian Hughes of Lee's Summit, MO, one brother, Bill (Rita) Hughes of Knob Noster, MO, two grandchildren, Will Hughes and Lucy Hughes; nieces Kristi Carr, Katie (Alex) Warner, Salena (Clint) Corbett, nephew Cliff Everts, several great nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, Bella.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Knob Noster Youth Sports Association.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, MO. A private burial will take place at a later date.