A pillar of Kentucky agriculture, higher education, and student mentorship has died.
Dr. Luther B. Hughes, Jr., a highly respected Kentucky agricultural leader and longtime Western Kentucky University administrator, died May 5. He was 81.
Known for his deep faith, public service and dedication to students, Hughes left a lasting legacy across multiple universities, government agencies and countless lives in and beyond the Commonwealth.
He was born April 23, 1944, in Cadiz, and is survived his wife of 56 years, Brenda, his daughter, Heather Zegarski (Daniel), of Maineville, Ohio, three grandchildren — William Jude, Michael Bertram and Nathan Thomas Zegarski — numerous nieces and nephews, and three siblings: James Hughes (Jo), Margaret Ann Sumner, and Edna Lindholm (Alvin).
Raised on tenant farms in western Kentucky, Hughes knew hard work early. He was a standout student at Trigg County High School and a 1962 graduate, where he earned a full-tuition scholarship to Western Kentucky State College (now WKU), thanks to the support of two teachers and college president Kelly Thompson.
Driven by gratitude, Hughes dedicated his life to education and service, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1966. Guided by mentor Dr. Randolph Richards, he pursued graduate work at Purdue University with a NASA fellowship, earning a Master’s and PhD in Soil Biochemistry and Microbiology by 1971.
📚 A CAREER OF SERVICE & LEADERSHIP
Hughes began his academic career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and later joined the University of Missouri, where he earned recognition for both teaching and student advising.
In 1983, he returned to WKU to lead the Department of Agriculture. There, he became a transformative figure—shaping students, improving programs and expanding Kentucky’s agricultural reach.
Among his many achievements:
+ He spearheaded a leaf composting plan for Bowling Green in 1987 that remains in operation today.
+ He received WKU’s Public Service Award and being named Kentucky Professor of the Year in 1989.
+ He served as Associate VP for Enrollment Management at WKU, where he helped increase student enrollment year over year.
+ He taught more than 11,000 students across a 35-year career.
+ He helped implement tobacco settlement fund policy through the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy.
+ He supported Kentucky FFA for 35+ years as a judge and advocate.
+ And he contributed to the growth of poultry farming in Kentucky after high-level collaboration with Perdue Poultry.
In 2003, the WKU Herald praised Hughes for his role as the university’s first-ever student ombudsman, calling him “a problem solver in a sometimes problematic path to graduation.”
🙏 FAITH, FAMILY & GLOBAL SERVICE
Hughes’ Christian faith guided his life. A devoted member of Eastwood Baptist Church, he served as a deacon and business meeting moderator. His commitment to service extended globally—he made seven trips to Jamaica, helping families improve food production and sustainability.
Despite a humble upbringing, Hughes lived generously, using his success to uplift others in quiet and lasting ways.
🕊️ MEMORIAL DETAILS
Visitation:
📍 Eastwood Baptist Church, Bowling Green
🗓 Friday, May 9 | 3–7 PM
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 9–11 AM
Celebration of Life Service:
🕚 Saturday, May 10 at 11 AM
🎙 Officiated at Eastwood Baptist Church
Arrangements by:
📍 J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel
💐 TRIBUTES & MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:
- Eastwood Baptist Church
- Western Kentucky University (Luther Hughes Leadership Fund)
- Kentucky FFA Foundation, Flemingsburg, KY
- Hospice of Southern Kentucky
