Theodore Gordon Hughes

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)

Theodore Gordon Hughes, III, (known as Ted or Teddy to his family and close friends), was born to the union of Gloria Elizabeth Turner and Theodore Gordon Hughes, II as their only child on June 6, 1937 in Des Moines, IA. His early education was spent in the Des Moines Public School System where he was active in track and field. After completing high school he served in the United States Army where he continued to be active in track and field while doing tours of duty in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam as a decorated demolition specialist rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. Ted pursued college studies at the University of Iowa, the University of the Redlands in California; earning Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Art History and Education, a Masters Degree in Education Administration, and doctoral studies at Pepperdine University.

He was well-respected in the field of education as a teacher, professor, and administrator holding such positions as Professor at the University of Iowa, in colleges in California; Administrator with the Upward Bound program-University of Houston, Downtown; and Administrator for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to his retirement from the Houston Independent School District, he was the coordinator for after school art programs and career education programs for several years.

Ted received his early Christian training in the Methodist church in Des Moines, IA and later served as both a member and commissioned security officer with the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX under the leadership of Reverend F. D. Sampson. Transforming faith into fact, Ted was active in the community as a mentor and role model for young men who frequently sought his guidance. Organizations such as Operation Breadbasket also benefited from his leadership and commitment to community service.

Ted loved and cherished his wife, Bessie Hughes with whom he shared his passion for travel and entertaining family and friends. He was an accomplished visual artist who bestowed his original artwork on others and a noted performing artist who often made music with fellow musicians and lifelong friends performing in a group named Gow-Dow meaning positive experience.

Ted was preceded in death by his mother and father. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Bessie Hughes; children Theodore Hughes, IV; Terri Harrison; son-in-law Anthony Harrison; Tony Garrett Hughes; Teliece Elizabeth Hughes; Christopher J. Hughes; Clarence J. Hughes; sisters Francis Martin, Stacey Lewis and Traci Hughes; and brother Clifford Hughes; along with treasured first cousins of his childhood; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.