Richard Darrell Hughett, known as Coach Hughett, passed away at age 86 in La Grange, Texas on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. He was born on Sept. 27, 1936, to John Hensel and Sylvia Farmer Hughett in Pulaski, Va., surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
He graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Va. in 1956. After graduation, Dick enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, he met the love of his life, La Wanda Jo Stone, in the fall of 1957. She was an education major at Hardin Simmons University. They married in Baird, Texas on Dec. 20, 1958.
Stationed at Dyess, he had temporary duty travel overseas in Guam, Alaska and Goose Bay, Labrador.
Dick returned to complete his bachelor’s degree in education at Hardin Simmons University. Upon graduation, he accepted his first teaching and coaching job in Childress, Texas, the hometown of his wife, Jo.
While raising their family, he taught and coached in Tulia, Lubbock High School, Lubbock Cooper, Decatur and La Grange schools.
Coach was compassionate, dedicated and meticulous in his approach to teaching, coaching and life. He was an incredibly great listener. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He loved history and made it come alive for his family with trips to Virginia and the birthplaces of our nation. Although he never lost his Virginian accent, he embraced and made Texas his home, wholeheartedly.
Dick was fortunate to have worked with wonderful administrators, educators, coaches, athletes and students throughout his over 40 years in education. Whether you competed in basketball, golf or football, “wins in life lessons were far more important than wins on the soreboard.” He taught hundreds of teenagers in West Texas and Fayette County how to drive with patience, humor and calmness.
Coach was a wonderful father. He was a man of few words, but his wisdom was limitless. His care for his family was of the utmost importance to him. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His face would light up whenever he saw them. He was their biggest supporter at activities and athletic events. Family always came first.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jo; daughter Vicki Watson and husband Jay; son Brett Hughett and wife Tracy, of La Grange; daughter Karyn McNicoll and husband John, of Kyle, Texas; grandchildren Brittany Neves and husband Deke, of Montgomery, Texas; Derek Watson and wife Jordan, of Austin, Texas; and Marshall McNicoll and Rachel McNicoll, both of Kyle; great-grandchildren Aubree, Remi, Mila and Evie Neves, of Montgomery, and Hayes Watson, of Austin; a sister-in-law, Jackie Hughett, of Lynchburg Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Lloyd and Lola Mae Stone, of Childress; brother Don Hughetti and wife Emilia; brother John H. Hughett, Jr.; nephew John H. Hughett, III; and great-nephew Jessie Hughetti.
A private burial service is planned for Childress. A Celebration of Life in Dick’s honor will be held at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home and Cremations at 2 p.m. Jan. 7, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson St., La Grange, TX 78945 or Meals on Wheels, 278 Ellinger Rd., La Grange, TX 78945.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home and Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, La Grange. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.
