Eldon (Gene) Eugene Hughes, 69, of Andover, KS passed peacefully while surrounded by his loved ones at 4:18pm on Wednesday, February 19.  He was born May 16, 1955, in Wichita, KS to his proud parents Eldon Earl and Peggy Jo Hughes.

Gene graduated from Wichita East High School in 1973 and continued his education, graduating with a degree in mechanics from Wichita Vocational Technologies.

He found his love for mechanics at any early age which evolved into a lifelong passion for cars, boats, and horsepower.  Gene went to work for Hall's Speed Shop in 1972, which fed and gave a great outlet for his passion for everything fast.  After 17 years, he bought the business from the Hall brothers, Joe and George where he continued his 53-year career in the business.

In 1975 he met Lavonna Powell while dragging Douglas which led to marriage in 1979 and the birth of a son, Brian, in 1981.  Gene is survived by his sisters Pam Aguilera (Topeka, KS) and Cindy Anderson (Carl Junction, MO) and son Brian (Harrah, OK).  He is preceded in death by his parents Eldon Earl and Peggy Jo Hughes and sister Jennifer Utsler.

A celebration of life will be held on April 20th from 2:00-5:00pm at the Wichita Brewing Company located at 6160 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67208. If the weather allows, please bring your hot rods so my dad can enjoy one last car show.