Dr Hugh M. Jeffus' Obituary
Dr. Hugh M. Jeffus, 79 of Fayetteville, AR passed peacefully January 18, 2011 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas. He was surrounded by family and his caring spouse of 57 years.
Hugh was born June 16, 1931 in Wheeler County, TX to Paul Vain Jeffus and Fannie Mae (Adcock) Jeffus. Growing up on a family farm in the Panhandle of Texas, Hugh graduated from High School in Mobitee, TX in 1948. After he finished high school, his family relocated to Northwest Arkansas where Hugh worked on the family’s farm until he was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War. Hugh went to leadership school and Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Medical Field Service School.
After his Army service Hugh returned to Gentry, Arkansas where he and a friend ran a dairy farm before a loan program for veterans gave him the opportunity to enroll at the University of Arkansas to study Civil Engineering. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962. After receiving a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1963, Hugh was employed by the University as a Lecturer for the Civil Engineering program. Hugh went back to school and received a Doctor of Engineering degree in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1969.
Hugh then accepted a teaching position with the University of Arkansas Civil Engineering Department and found his calling. He was very passionate about helping his students learn and effectively apply engineering principles. During his tenure at the University, Hugh published a number of research papers and technical articles and received numerous accolades such as the Outstanding Faculty Award, Haliburton Outstanding Research Award, and the Chi Epsilon Honorary Alumni Award.
After retiring from the University of Arkansas, Hugh worked as a Water Resources Engineer at what is now the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for a couple of years before the call of teaching lured him to Tarleton State University where he taught Hydrology and pre-engineering courses. Hugh retired from Tarleton in January 2000. That retirement gave him and his wife the chance to move back to Northwest Arkansas where they could be closer to their family.
Hugh’s other passion was his faith. He helped start and nurture the Hill Avenue Church of Christ in Fayetteville, AR. Hugh served in every church he attended by assisting with the preaching and encouraging spiritual growth. After retiring to Arkansas, Hugh was a member of the Springtown Church of Christ in Springtown, AR.
He is survived by his wife Jean Jeffus, three children; Stephanie Cowan and husband David of Fayetteville, AR, Stephen Jeffus and wife Elena of Dallas, TX, and Scot Jeffus and wife Sabra of Springdale, AR, and six beautiful grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 20th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
A Celebration of His Life will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, January 21st in the Chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home with Mr. Larry Joe Johnson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Arkansas Civil Engineering Department, the Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale, Arkansas or the Springtown Church of Christ, Springtown, Arkansas.
Visitation Date Time Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Visitation Location Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Service Date Time Friday, January 21, 2011 10:00 AM Service Location Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel
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