| Graduation Year | Faculty |
| Date of Passing | Oct 10, 2007 |
| About | Jeffre J. Hufford, 57, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 at his Rushville home. Hufford, a popular teacher at Rushville Consolidated High School, had been ill for the past month. Born Dec. 31, 1949 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Berniece Hufford and the late Charles Hufford. He was a graduate of Brownsburg High School and had a B.A. and M.A. from Ball State University. He had taught speech, radio, television and English at RCHS since 1973. He was known throughout the state and nation for his success with the National Forensic League; under his leadership the RCHS Speech Team became one of the most successful chapters in the country. Several of his students represented Indiana in national competition. Hufford was a pioneer in high school radio and television instruction and initiated RUSH-TV, a daily television program of RCHS news and activities which airs each school day. In 1991, he became the leader of the popular Briar Patch Players, a student performing group still in existence, which performs annually during the July 4 holiday. Hufford was well known for his sense of humor and sharp-witted and sarcastic manner of characterizing Rush County events in story and song. He was proudest of this group, and over the years touched scores of Rush County young people whom he considered to be "his kids." He was named Rush County Citizen of the Year in 1990 by the Rush County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was an active member of the local Elks Lodge, currently serving as Leading Knight, Scholarship chairman, and member of the House Committee. He was also known to be a "pretty fair pool player." Hufford was a member of Main Street Christian Church, where he was a member of the choir and soloist on several occasions. He was often invited to sing solos for weddings and special events. Additional interests included the Old Gents Literary Society and the Rush County Players, of which he was a charter member and longtime supporter. He will long be remembered for his portrayal of Tevye in "Fiddler On The Roof" in 1990. Fellow RCHS instructor Jeff McDaniel notes that Hufford was proud of an honorary FFA degree received from the local chapter and the fact that he was voted into the Indiana Speech and Debate Coaches Hall of Fame a few years ago. In addition, Hufford was a Triple Diamond Key Speech Coach in the National Forensic League and previously served on the Rushville City Council. He had also worked in various capacities over the years for WRCR radio in Rushville. "Mr. Hufford believed that everyone should have a passion for life and that students must learn how to work hard in order to gain success," McDaniel said. Born Dec. 31, 1949 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Charles and Berniece (Foist) Hufford; his mother, a resident of Melbourne, Fla., survives. He attended Main Street Christian Church and was an active member of Elks Lodge No. 1307. He had lived in Rushville since 1973 and lived his early life in Brownsburg. Survivors, in addition to his mother, Berniece (Foist) Hufford, include one sister, Jill (Mrs. Doug) Franks of Melbourne, Fla.; and one brother, Jay Alan Hufford of Bloomington. |
