Stephen B. Hughbanks

Stephen B. Hughbanks, 75, retired manufacturing executive, died Saturday, November 16, 2024. Stephen was born October 23, 1949, to parents, Monroe and Corinne Hughbanks in Anthony, Kansas. He married his Buhler High School sweetheart, Nancy Rumsey in 1971. They were blessed with three children: Staci Dean (Bill), Stephanie Warner (Mike), both of Wichita, Kansas, and Bryce Hughbanks (Ashleigh) of Maize, Kansas. In addition to his wife and children, Stephen is survived by eleven grandsons, one granddaughter, nine great grandchildren (with one on the way); mother, Corinne of Wichita, and sister, Melody Athey (Bill) of Great Bend, Kansas. He is preceded by his father, Monroe and brother, Vincent. Stephen graduated with honors from Washburn University and earned an MBA from Wichita State. He held several middle management positions with the Coleman Company. He was Plant Manager for Avery Dennison’s Automotive Division for seven years before becoming President of Great Bend Manufacturing. Stephen spent seventeen years with Metal Fab, Inc. before retiring in 2015 as President. Stephen enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports. He played football, basketball, and tennis in high school, winning a state championship in basketball in 1967 and he played on the 1968 undefeated football team. He also played two years of college basketball at McPherson College. One of his greatest pleasures was watching the athletic successes of his son and grandsons in football and wrestling. Stephen loved making memories with his extended family. That included snow skiing, taking cruises, going to theme parks, white water rafting and water activities at various lakes. He also enjoyed world travel with his wife, Nancy. They loved learning about the different cultures and meeting the local people. Stephen and Nancy were married for fifty-three beautiful and blessed years. What a legacy this man left to his family. We love you and will miss you everyday. A memorial service will be held 10:00 am, Monday, November 25, 2024, at Central Community Church Chapel. A memorial has been established with: Victory In The Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.