David Gordon Hughes

Friday, Dec. 03, 2021
David Gordon Hughes
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David Gordon Hughes

February 23, 1938 ~ November 20, 2021

David Gordon Hughes, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on November 20, 2021, in Millcreek City.

David was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to AlphaLea Hitner and Carl Hughes on February 23, 1938. David married the love of his life, Carol Jean Zink, on September 4, 1965, and they were blessed with 56 years of marriage, four children and eight grandchildren.

Upon completion of high school, he volunteered to serve in the Army for three years and then attended and graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in pharmacy. His career took him from Minnesota to owning a pharmacy in Montana to completing his career in Salt Lake City.

David was active in his Catholic faith and community. He dedicated many years of service to the Knights of Columbus, St. Ambrose Parish liturgical ministries, and organizing years of Lenten soup dinners with his wife. He was both a devoted husband and loving father who was always present for every milestone in each of his kids’ lives. He took great pride and joy in the accomplishments of his wife, children, their spouses and grandchildren. He was their trusted advisor and encourager. David enjoyed nothing more than being in the company of his family. He was a guiding light with a selfless work ethic, enormous patience and a solid moral compass. David enjoyed building things, problem-solving and found great joy in learning new skills. This curiosity and drive led him to earn a pilot’s license, learn how to brew beer and make wine, and design and create artisan cutting boards, which he enjoyed sharing with his loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his brother Ronald Hughes and his parents AlphaLea Hitner and Carl Hughes.

He is survived by his wife Carol Hughes; his children Brent Hughes (Jennifer), Chris Hughes, Chuck Hughes (Mary) and Deidre Schoenfeld (Danny); and his grandchildren Linden (Lindy), William, Thomas, Katie, Connor, Ale, Marcus and Benjamin.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on December 1.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Knights of Columbus in David’s name.

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