Gary Hind

Kenneth “Gary” Hind of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on September 12, 1942, in Emporia, Kansas, to Jasper and Olive (Barb) Hind.

Gary was raised in Madison, Kansas, and graduated from Madison High School in 1960. In December of that year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed Advanced Infantry Training in 1961. He later returned to serve with the Army National Guard, completing a total of eight years of military service.

In 1961, Gary met the love of his life, Barbara Helen Nichols, and they were married on June 7, 1963. After working for Panhandle Eastern Natural Gas Co. in Kansas, the couple moved to New Mexico in late 1963, where Gary began his 25-year career with Continental Oil Co. (Conoco). During his time there, he especially enjoyed his role as a construction foreman, designing and building tank batteries and production facilities. He retired as a production foreman in the Hobbs area, later continuing to share his expertise as an independent construction project supervisor for several oil companies.

Beyond his work, Gary had a lifelong passion for drag racing. With the help of friends, he built several race cars, driving them at the local Hobbs drag strip as well as other area tracks. Together with his family, he also loved attending NHRA events.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Barbara; two sons, Kent and his wife, Lola, and their daughter, Hayden; and Kyle, all of Lubbock, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Olive (Barb) Hind, and his brother, Robert “Bob” Hind.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Koup Family Funeral Home in Eureka, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.

Gary will be remembered for his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, and his love of racing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local VFW. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.