Charles Hubbard

Charles William Hubbard died in Edina, MN on October 25th at the age of 90. He was born on September 23, 1928 on a farm near Pretty Prairie, KS, the youngest child of George L. Hubbard, Sr. and Edna Rae Carper Hubbard.

Charles attended the Goddard Public Schools where he met his childhood sweetheart and future wife, Rebah Joanne Cross. After graduation, Charles enlisted in the Army and served with the occupational forces in Japan. He continued his military career, serving in the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Charles and Rebah were married on August 5, 1949. Graduating in 1951 from Friends University, Charles entered the business world and farmed with his brother, George L. Hubbard, Jr., but his interests soon turned to education. In 1953, he started his career as a math teacher and boys’ basketball coach in the Derby Public Schools. After receiving a Master’s Degree in 1959, he became the Principal at Swaney and Andover Elementary. Ultimately, he became the Business Manager and Superintendent of Schools in Derby. He also served as an interim Superintendent in Garden City, KS. He invested in the lives of countless students and served as an encouraging mentor to other educators. Charles was also devoted to many civic organizations benefiting Derby, including the Lions Club, Rotary, the Derby Foundation and the Historical Society.

In retirement, two beautiful places were very special to him. In 1993, he bought a cabin in Green Mountain Falls, CO and enjoyed renovating it as a gathering place for family and friends. Charles and Rebah also spent many winters in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years and survived by his daughters: Marilyn (Bruce) McSpadden of Lee’s Summit, MO; Barbara Sudderth of Fountain Hills, AZ and Beverly (Craig) Claflin of Edina, MN; five grandchildren, Bret McSpadden of Boulder, CO; Ben (Katey) McSpadden of Roeland Park, KS; Scott Sudderth of Dubuque, IA; Carah (Michael) Hart of Edina, MN; Chase Claflin of Minneapolis, MN; and two great-grandchildren, Eloise and Charlie Hart.

There will be a viewing Thursday, November 1st at Smith Mortuary in Derby from 1:00 – 8:00 PM. The service will be at the First Presbyterian Church, Friday, November 2nd at 11:00. The family would like to invite guests to a Visitation/Lunch afterward. Burial, with military honors, will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Derby Historical Society are suggested or to NC Little Memorial Hospice, 7019 Lynmar Ln, Minneapolis, MN 55435.