Lawrence High School lost one of its biggest football fans and supporters Thursday.

Dr. Robert W. Hughes, 75, who served as the football team’s doctor from 1974 to 1997, died in his home at Lakeview Manor. He also was a volunteer physician for the Sunflower State Games for many years.

During those 23 years, Hughes could always be seen on the LHS sideline, wearing his old overcoat and trying to get as close as he could to the action, LHS football coach Dirk Wedd said.

“Doc was always on the sideline,” Wedd said. “He didn’t miss a beat as far as him loving Lawrence High football. He never missed a game.”

Hughes always made sure he was available come game time on Friday nights, LHS athletic director Ron Commons said.

“He went to home games and road games,” Commons said. “The only thing he might have asked for was a school annual so he could keep track of the kids.”

Hughes, a graduate of Kansas University School of Medicine in 1954, practiced in Russell for nearly three years before moving to Lawrence in 1959. He was elected to the Lawrence City Commission in 1969.

When he became the football team’s doctor, Hughes would remind the players of the difference between pain and injury, Wedd said.

“If he had to go out on the field, the kid had better be hurt,” Wedd said. “But at the same time, he loved the kids and you knew they were in good hands.”

Larry Hatfield, who served on the Lawrence school board in the 1970s, described Hughes as “a fine gentleman” willing to give a lot of his time to the student athletes.

“He was part of Lawrence High football for years, and we have to thank him for that.”