Edwin Earl Hughlett was born March 29, 1941, in Roswell, New Mexico, the son of Edwin and Lillie (Landfair) Hughlett.  He was called home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 1, 2022, at the age of 81.

Having placed his faith in Christ at an early age, Ed became actively involved in giving his talent and love of music to the Lord.  While still in high school, he often sang at his local church and at funerals, led worship for his high school youth group, and even traveled with Reverend Clyde Spain to lead singing in a revival meeting.

While attending Roswell High School, Ed sang in a barbershop quartet that participated in a national talent contest.  The group won their local, district, and regional competitions, then flew to New York for the finals and to sing on national radio.  Their achievement brought recognition to their high school through an article in an edition of the nationally acclaimed Scholastic Magazine.

After graduating from Roswell High with the class of 1960, Ed moved to Springfield, MO, to enter the music program at Baptist Bible College.  It was there he met the love of his life, Wanda Hoopes, who was from Bluff City, KS.  Ed and Wanda were married August 12, 1961.  Wanda was already an accomplished pianist so together the two created a musical duo that was uniquely gifted for church music ministry.  It was truly a " match made in Heaven " as they would have a dynamic impact on numerous churches and thousands of people through their 60+ years of ministry.

Ed and Wanda were invited to participate in many revival meetings, radio and TV broadcasts, state and national conventions, and college seminars.  Whether singing solo or harmony, rehearsing with an ensemble, directing a choir, or simply getting a congregation to enjoy singing, Ed and Wanda had a special ability "together" to impact the church music experience.

They began their service in 1961 at Morningside Baptist Church (now Hallmark Baptist Church), Fort Worth, Texas. They were also privileged to serve at Lamar Baptist Church, Greenville, Texas (1963), Tabernacle Baptist Church, Farmington, New Mexico (1965), Trinity Baptist Church, Abilene, Texas (1969), and Overland Park Baptist Temple, Overland Park, Kansas (1979).  Though they officially retired to Anthony, Kansas, in 2009, they continued to serve the local churches of First Baptist Church, Wellington Baptist Temple, and Harper Christian Church.

Ed had a great passion for music ministry.  However, there was another ministry he was even more passionate about: studying and teaching God's Word.  He was always willing and eager to teach a Bible class or preach at the church where they were serving.

Many know of Ed's gift for music and teaching but only those closest to him knew what a talented "Jack-of-all-trades" he was.  He was a natural at so many things, including athletics, mechanics, carpentry, and much more.  Thanks to his early life and church experiences, it seemed he could do almost anything and do it well.  His golfing buddies and especially his sons, were often amazed at his scores as a casual golfer and will be forever jealous of his two "hole-in-ones".

Yet, with all that he could do, Ed cared most about his relationships with family and friends and especially his Lord.  Among many other things, those blessed to really know him will always view him as a man who enjoyed life but who loved God first and wanted others to love Him too.

Ed will be deeply missed by his wife, Wanda; sons: Ed Hughlett and wife, Julie, and Eric Hughlett and wife, Rhonda; sisters: Arline Byars and Sue Perrine; 2 grandchildren: Ethan Hughlett and wife, Megan, and Raegan Trevino and husband, Luis; 1 great-grandchild: Jaxton Hughlett; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the Harper Christian Church with Pastor Ed Hughlett officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony. The service will be livestreamed to Prairie Rose Funeral Homes Facebook page.

Friends may view and register from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4th at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in ANTHONY.

Memorials in memory of Edwin may be made to the Harper Christian Church and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.