Extracted from The El Dorado News-Times (El Dorado, AR)
Monday, September 22, 2008

DALE C. HUX

Dale Cleveland Hux, 73, of Junction City, died on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado after a brief illness.

Born on Aug. 14, 1935, in Junction City, he was the son of George C. and Rachel Pratt Hux, who preceded him in death.

Dale spent his early years on a farm where he learned the value of hard work while raising animals for his FFA project and attending Fairview School in the Faircrest Community. He graduated from Junction City High School in 1953 and attended Louisiana Tech for one semester before he began his career in the United States Air Force.

During his service to his country, he served in Alaska, Newfoundland, Australia and numerous other countries on inspection teams. He coached many Air Force softball teams, placing in many Worldwide Tournaments. He coached Little League teams, attended college and worked a second job. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 after a 20 year career.

He became active in the Baptist Church wherever he was stationed and was ordained as a deacon in 1967 in Colorado Springs, Colo., and was presently a member of First Baptist Church in Junction City. He was devoted to God and his church, his family and his country.

He began a second career in education at Junction City High School and finished his bachelor's degree at SAU in 1976 and worked tirelessly as a teacher, coach, bus driver, eventually being named principal of Junction City High School, continuing to serve until his recent illness in August.

His coaching career of many years included a state championship team. He loved all his students and was always available to help and counsel them. During his career in education he also attended college and completed his master's degree in education.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary Joan Cater Hux of Junction City; a daughter, Merry Fontana (Steve) of Monroe, La.; a son, Brian Hux (Janet) of Junction City; and the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Rachel Balsamo (John), and Ashley Fontana, all of Monroe, Beau and Chay Hux, both of Junction City. Also surviving is one sister, Glenda Ovitt of Dubach, La., three nephews and his Shih-Tzu, Gizmo.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Junction City with the Rev. Buddy Boatright officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 tonight at First Baptist Church in Junction City.

Memorials may be made in Dale's memory to First Baptist Church in Junction City or the Junction City Dragons Athletic Activities Foundation, c/o First Bank of South Arkansas, Junction City, AR.

The online registry is at www.baileyfuneralhome.net.