CENTRAL KANSAS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION
• ELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2026 •
• ELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2026 •
President: Lee Spence
Vice-President: Gerald Haughton
Secretary: Susan Puls
Treasurer: John Denney
Vice-President: Gerald Haughton
Secretary: Susan Puls
Treasurer: John Denney
• OTHER CLUB POSITIONS FOR 2026 •
Membership Director: Steve Nichols
Drive & Dine Directors: Wayne & Marcia Strawder
Apparel Directors: Anita & Bill Barnhart
Facebook Group Administrators: Greg Gordon and Lee Spence
Website Administrator: Gerald Haughton
Drive & Dine Directors: Wayne & Marcia Strawder
Apparel Directors: Anita & Bill Barnhart
Facebook Group Administrators: Greg Gordon and Lee Spence
Website Administrator: Gerald Haughton
CENTRAL KANSAS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION
• PAST PRESIDENTS PLAQUES •
• PAST PRESIDENTS PLAQUES •
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NOTE: These plaques are currently on display on the east wall of the Midway Motors Chevrolet showroom in Hutchinson
CENTRAL KANSAS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION
• PAST PRESIDENTS HONOR ROLL •
• PAST PRESIDENTS HONOR ROLL •
• Steve Bernard (CKCA Founding Member): 1968 ~ 1970
• Francis C. Hawks: 1971
• Dennis Nicklin (CKCA Founding Member): 1972
• David Griffin: 1973
• Darrell Hawk: 1974 ~ 1975
• Jim Shafer: 1976 ~ 1977
• Dennis Woolsey: 1978
• Clark Miller: 1979 ~ 1980
• Lee Graham: 1981 ~ 1982
• Lonnie Kent: 1983 ~ 1984
• Larry Hase: 1985
• Avory Johnson: 1986 ~ 1987
• Dave Griffin: 1988
• Duane Ukens: 1989
• Dennis Smith: 1990 ~ 1991
• John Denney: 1992
• Rick Smiley: 1993 ~ 1994
• Dennis Smith: 1995
• Wes Heinlein: 1996 ~ 1997
• Carol Heinlein: 1998 ~ 1999
• Jim Bechler: 2000 ~ 2002
• Rick Smiley: 2003 ~ 2004
• Fred Johnson: 2005 ~ 2006
• Bev Smiley: 2007 ~ 2011
• Kevin Brown: 2012 ~ 2016
• Jack Martin: 2017 ~ 2019
• Greg Gordon: 2020 ~ 2021
• Wayne Strawder: 2022 ~ 2023
• Susan Puls: January 2024 ~ May 2024
• Lee Spence: May 2024 ~ 2026
• Francis C. Hawks: 1971
• Dennis Nicklin (CKCA Founding Member): 1972
• David Griffin: 1973
• Darrell Hawk: 1974 ~ 1975
• Jim Shafer: 1976 ~ 1977
• Dennis Woolsey: 1978
• Clark Miller: 1979 ~ 1980
• Lee Graham: 1981 ~ 1982
• Lonnie Kent: 1983 ~ 1984
• Larry Hase: 1985
• Avory Johnson: 1986 ~ 1987
• Dave Griffin: 1988
• Duane Ukens: 1989
• Dennis Smith: 1990 ~ 1991
• John Denney: 1992
• Rick Smiley: 1993 ~ 1994
• Dennis Smith: 1995
• Wes Heinlein: 1996 ~ 1997
• Carol Heinlein: 1998 ~ 1999
• Jim Bechler: 2000 ~ 2002
• Rick Smiley: 2003 ~ 2004
• Fred Johnson: 2005 ~ 2006
• Bev Smiley: 2007 ~ 2011
• Kevin Brown: 2012 ~ 2016
• Jack Martin: 2017 ~ 2019
• Greg Gordon: 2020 ~ 2021
• Wayne Strawder: 2022 ~ 2023
• Susan Puls: January 2024 ~ May 2024
• Lee Spence: May 2024 ~ 2026
The very first CKCA meeting invitation – April 22,1968. Where it all began!
CENTRAL KANSAS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION
• PAST PRESIDENTS IN PHOTOS •
• PAST PRESIDENTS IN PHOTOS •
This remarkable vintage print photograph, which was temporarily loaned to the club for scanning and documentation purposes by CKCA members Jim & Carol Bechler at the general membership meeting on Monday, April 8th, 2024, shows seven past presidents of the Central Kansas Corvette Association.
From left to right: Duane and Karen Ukens, Fred Johnson (kneeling), Wes Heinlein (standing next to driver door), Jim Bechler, Clark Miller, Rick and Bev Smiley, and Doug Rice (in wheelchair).
The identity of the couple sitting in the car remains a mystery.
CKCA presidents seen in the photo above:
– Duane "Uke" Ukens (1989)
– Fred Johnson (2005-2006)
– Wes Heinlein (1996-1997)
– Jim Bechler (2000-2002)
– Clark Miller (1979-1980)
– Rick Smiley (1993-1994; 2003-2004)
– Bev Smiley (2007-2011)
I'm told the photo was taken in the Sunflower Bldg. at the Kansas State Fairgrounds during the CKCA's annual Salt City Rod & Custom Car Show, circa 1992-1993. The photographer is unknown.
The proceeds from this show benefited the Spina Bifida Association. I'm told that the wheelchair that Mr. Rice is sitting in was made possible because of proceeds from various charitable efforts undertaken by our club, including the car show.
A framed photo collage from the 16th Annual Salt City Rod & Custom Car Show on February 15-16, 1992, presented to our club by the Spina Bifida Association of Kansas as a way of saying thanks, may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/the-kevin-and-marina-brown-artifact-collection-item-14.html.
– GH
From left to right: Duane and Karen Ukens, Fred Johnson (kneeling), Wes Heinlein (standing next to driver door), Jim Bechler, Clark Miller, Rick and Bev Smiley, and Doug Rice (in wheelchair).
The identity of the couple sitting in the car remains a mystery.
CKCA presidents seen in the photo above:
– Duane "Uke" Ukens (1989)
– Fred Johnson (2005-2006)
– Wes Heinlein (1996-1997)
– Jim Bechler (2000-2002)
– Clark Miller (1979-1980)
– Rick Smiley (1993-1994; 2003-2004)
– Bev Smiley (2007-2011)
I'm told the photo was taken in the Sunflower Bldg. at the Kansas State Fairgrounds during the CKCA's annual Salt City Rod & Custom Car Show, circa 1992-1993. The photographer is unknown.
The proceeds from this show benefited the Spina Bifida Association. I'm told that the wheelchair that Mr. Rice is sitting in was made possible because of proceeds from various charitable efforts undertaken by our club, including the car show.
A framed photo collage from the 16th Annual Salt City Rod & Custom Car Show on February 15-16, 1992, presented to our club by the Spina Bifida Association of Kansas as a way of saying thanks, may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/the-kevin-and-marina-brown-artifact-collection-item-14.html.
– GH
Dennis Nicklin, left, is seen along with Steven Bernard at the CKCA's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2018. They had just received commemorative plaques from the club for their invaluable contributions to the CKCA over the preceding 50 years.
Both men are founding members of the CKCA. Dennis served as our president in 1972, and Steven served as our first president, in 1968.
A recap of the 50th Anniversary celebration, penned by event organizers Bill & Anita Barnhart, may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/ckca-50th-anniversary-celebration-june-23-20181.html.
Mr. Nicklin passed away in 2020. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Both men are founding members of the CKCA. Dennis served as our president in 1972, and Steven served as our first president, in 1968.
A recap of the 50th Anniversary celebration, penned by event organizers Bill & Anita Barnhart, may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/ckca-50th-anniversary-celebration-june-23-20181.html.
Mr. Nicklin passed away in 2020. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Dave Griffin served as our fourth president, in 1973, and served again in 1988.
Mr. Griffin passed away in 2022. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Mr. Griffin passed away in 2022. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
"Newly elected CKCA officers for 1978 are, from left to right, Lonnie Kent, Events Chairman; Dee McMillian, Treasurer; Dennis Woolsey, President; Jim Shafer, Vice President; Joann Durham, Secretary; and Fred Johnson, Governor."
– Caption source: January-February 1978 issue of Vetter News
– Image source: January-February 1978 issue of Vetter News
Dennis Woolsey served as CKCA president in 1978, and is still very active in the cool-car community in Hutch as of this writing.
Clark Miller served as CKCA president in 1979 and 1980.
Mr. Miller passed away in 2018. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Mr. Miller passed away in 2018. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Lee Graham served as CKCA president in 1981 and 1982.
Mr. Graham passed away in 2018. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Mr. Graham passed away in 2018. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Duane "Uke" Ukens served as CKCA president in 1989.
Mr. Ukens passed away in 2015. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Mr. Ukens passed away in 2015. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Wes Heinlein served as CKCA president in 1996 & 1997.
Mr. Heinlein passed away in 2025. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Mr. Heinlein passed away in 2025. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Fred Johnson served as CKCA president in 2005 and 2006.
Fred, along with his wife Jean, were enthusiastic members of our club from the very beginning, and many of the artifacts pictured on our website and physically saved in our archives – vintage photographs, meeting minutes, old newsletters, trophies, etc. – exist because of the Johnson's unwavering dedication and devotion to our club and their desire to see our club's history preserved for future generations.
(Artifacts from their collection that have been photo-documented to date may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/the-fred-and-jean-johnson-artifact-collection.html.)
Fred is seen below in their 1970 LT1 Corvette Coupe at the "Airport Picture Day" at Hutchinson Regional Airport on April 15, 2012. The Johnsons autocrossed their solid-lifter LT1 at various regional events over the years with a great deal of passion and success.
Fred is also pictured in the vintage "newly elected officers" photo from 1978 seen above.
Mr. Johnson passed away in 2022. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
Fred, along with his wife Jean, were enthusiastic members of our club from the very beginning, and many of the artifacts pictured on our website and physically saved in our archives – vintage photographs, meeting minutes, old newsletters, trophies, etc. – exist because of the Johnson's unwavering dedication and devotion to our club and their desire to see our club's history preserved for future generations.
(Artifacts from their collection that have been photo-documented to date may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/the-fred-and-jean-johnson-artifact-collection.html.)
Fred is seen below in their 1970 LT1 Corvette Coupe at the "Airport Picture Day" at Hutchinson Regional Airport on April 15, 2012. The Johnsons autocrossed their solid-lifter LT1 at various regional events over the years with a great deal of passion and success.
Fred is also pictured in the vintage "newly elected officers" photo from 1978 seen above.
Mr. Johnson passed away in 2022. His obituary may be seen on our "In Memoriam" page (please scroll down): https://www.ckca.club/in-memoriam.html.
2005-2006 CKCA President Fred Johnson in his 1970 LT-1 Coupe at the Hutchinson Airport Picture Day – April 15, 2012: https://www.ckca.club/hutchinson-airport-picture-day.html
Dennis Woolsey, left, and Jack Martin pose for a quick photo at the Kansas State Fair Outdoor Auto Show coordinated by the Central Kansas Corvette Association – September 14, 2025.
Both gentlemen are past presidents of the CKCA, Dennis in 1978, and Jack served from 2017 through 2019.
Dennis and Jack owned and operated Motor Sport Specialties here in Hutch back in the day.
Dennis is also pictured in the vintage "newly elected officers" photo from 1978 seen above.
More photos, and captions, from the 2025 KSF car show may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/kansas-state-fair-ckca-invitational-car-show-september-14-2025.html
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Both gentlemen are past presidents of the CKCA, Dennis in 1978, and Jack served from 2017 through 2019.
Dennis and Jack owned and operated Motor Sport Specialties here in Hutch back in the day.
Dennis is also pictured in the vintage "newly elected officers" photo from 1978 seen above.
More photos, and captions, from the 2025 KSF car show may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/kansas-state-fair-ckca-invitational-car-show-september-14-2025.html
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Susan Puls, second from left, served as CKCA president during the early part of 2024.
Susan is seen with husband Randy, to her right, and CKCA members Bob Friesen and Karen Ukens. Karen's late husband, Duane "Uke" Ukens, served as CKCA president in 1989.
This photo was taken after the general membership meeting at Midway Motors Chevrolet in Hutchinson on July 14, 2025.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Susan is seen with husband Randy, to her right, and CKCA members Bob Friesen and Karen Ukens. Karen's late husband, Duane "Uke" Ukens, served as CKCA president in 1989.
This photo was taken after the general membership meeting at Midway Motors Chevrolet in Hutchinson on July 14, 2025.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
CKCA president Susan Puls, who served during the early portion of 2024, is pictured with one of the many Corvettes that she and her husband Randy own.
This photo was taken after the general membership meeting at Midway Motors Chevrolet in Hutchinson on May 12, 2025.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
This photo was taken after the general membership meeting at Midway Motors Chevrolet in Hutchinson on May 12, 2025.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
CKCA president Lee Spence (May 2024-2026), is pictured with his Long Beach Red 2017 Corvette Coupe after the general membership meeting at Midway Motors Chevrolet in Hutchinson on May 12, 2025.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Steven Bernard, one of our club's founding members and our first president, and Susan Puls, who served as CKCA president in the early part of 2024.
Photo taken at Three Rings Brewery in McPherson, KS during a club Dine & Drive to Hesston and McPherson on May 10, 2025. (More photos here: https://www.ckca.club/drive-and-dine-to-dyck-arboretum-and-three-rings-brewery-may-10-2025.html).
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Photo taken at Three Rings Brewery in McPherson, KS during a club Dine & Drive to Hesston and McPherson on May 10, 2025. (More photos here: https://www.ckca.club/drive-and-dine-to-dyck-arboretum-and-three-rings-brewery-may-10-2025.html).
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Steven Bernard, founding member of the CKCA and our club's first president – May 10, 2025.
Photo taken during a CKCA Dine & Drive to Hesston and McPherson (more photos here: https://www.ckca.club/drive-and-dine-to-dyck-arboretum-and-three-rings-brewery-may-10-2025.html).
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Photo taken during a CKCA Dine & Drive to Hesston and McPherson (more photos here: https://www.ckca.club/drive-and-dine-to-dyck-arboretum-and-three-rings-brewery-may-10-2025.html).
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Kevin Brown, who helped spearhead the "rebirth" of the CKCA in 2011 and who served as our president from 2012 through 2016, is pictured at the "Oil Capital Collectibles Brown-Kelley Auction" here in Hutch on October 25, 2024.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Wayne & Marcia Strawder. Wayne served as CKCA president during 2022 and 2023.
The Strawders are seen during the CKCA Drive & Dine to the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, Karg Art Glass in Kechi, and Stearman Field Bar & Grill in Benton on September 28, 2024.
More photos from this Drive & Dine may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/drive-and-dine-to-stearman-field-bar-and-grill-in-benton-ks-september-28-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
The Strawders are seen during the CKCA Drive & Dine to the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, Karg Art Glass in Kechi, and Stearman Field Bar & Grill in Benton on September 28, 2024.
More photos from this Drive & Dine may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/drive-and-dine-to-stearman-field-bar-and-grill-in-benton-ks-september-28-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Greg Gordon, CKCA president in 2020 and 2021, being interviewed by Shawn Loging of KWCH 12 News at the Kansas State Fair Outdoor Auto Show coordinated by the Central Kansas Corvette Association – September 15, 2024.
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/kansas-state-fair-ckca-invitational-car-show-september-15-2024.html
– Photos and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/kansas-state-fair-ckca-invitational-car-show-september-15-2024.html
– Photos and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
From left to right: Steven Bernard, founding member of the CKCA and our club's first president, Denise Haughton, and Bill & Diane Matlack at the Downtown Hutch Cars & Coffee at DCI Park event, sponsored by the Central Kansas Corvette Association, on July 6, 2024.
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/downtown-hutch-cars-and-coffee-at-dci-park-july-6th-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/downtown-hutch-cars-and-coffee-at-dci-park-july-6th-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
From left to right: Keith Ferguson, Bill Popp, Greg Gordon and Jack Martin at the Downtown Hutch Cars & Coffee at DCI Park event, sponsored by the Central Kansas Corvette Association, on July 6, 2024. Greg served as CKCA president in 2020 and 2021, and Jack served as CKCA president from 2017 through 2019.
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/downtown-hutch-cars-and-coffee-at-dci-park-july-6th-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/downtown-hutch-cars-and-coffee-at-dci-park-july-6th-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Jim Bechler, CKCA president from 2000 through 2002, poses for a pic at the Kansas Honor Flight Car Show at Midway Motors Chevrolet of Hutchinson on June 22, 2024.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Kevin Brown, who helped spearhead the "rebirth" of the CKCA in 2011 and who served as our president from 2012 through 2016, is seen at the "Corvette Drive-In" at Three Rings Brewery in McPherson, KS on June 1, 2024.
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/corvette-drive-in-at-three-rings-brewery-june-1st-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/corvette-drive-in-at-three-rings-brewery-june-1st-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Left to right: CKCA members Bill Popp, Greg Gordon and John Denney. Greg served as CKCA president in 2020 and 2021, and John served as CKCA president in 1992.
Photo taken at Downtown Hutch Cars & Coffee at DCI Park, sponsored by the Central Kansas Corvette Association, on May 4, 2024. More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/downtown-hutch-cars-and-coffee-at-dci-park-may-4th-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Photo taken at Downtown Hutch Cars & Coffee at DCI Park, sponsored by the Central Kansas Corvette Association, on May 4, 2024. More photos from this event may be seen here: https://www.ckca.club/downtown-hutch-cars-and-coffee-at-dci-park-may-4th-2024.html.
– Photo and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
CKCA President Lee Spence (May 2024-2026) gives a wave prior to the club's drive up to Lyons to participate in the Veterans Parade – November 15, 2025
CKCA members Paula Payton and President Lee Spence (May 2024-2026) pose for a quick pic at the Lyons Veterans Parade – November 15, 2025
More photos from this event may be found here: https://www.ckca.club/lyons-ks-veterans-parade-november-15-2025.html
– Photos and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
More photos from this event may be found here: https://www.ckca.club/lyons-ks-veterans-parade-november-15-2025.html
– Photos and caption contributed by CKCA members Gerald & Denise Haughton
Page last updated: 01/12/2026
© Central Kansas Corvette Association
Hutchinson, KS
© Central Kansas Corvette Association
Hutchinson, KS
