Robert Lee Hughes

Robert Lee Hughes was born on Oct. 8 1932 in rural Orchard, IA to Thomas Hughes Sr. and Juanita (Allen) Hughes and passed away on Oct. 4, 2020.

Robert was raised on a farm and grew up working with his family. He graduated from Colwell High School in 1950. During his school days he played basketball as a Colwell Comet for four years.

Robert was united in marriage to Wilma Kreimeyer on Feb. 3, 1952 and two months later was called to serve his country in the United States Navy. He served proudly during the Korean War and spent the next four years on two ships. The first ship he was stationed on was the U.S.S. Great Sitkin, an ammunition ship. His second ship was the U.S.S. Chipola which was the largest Oil Tanker ship made at that time. During his Navy days he met a lifelong friend Chuck Skeels. After getting out of the Navy he and Wilma settled in Iowa and started farming. Robert also worked at the Oliver Plant in Charles City for a time. He and Wilma enjoyed playing cards with a group of close friends for over 30 years. When his children were young he would play his guitar and harmonica for them. One of his greatest joys was giving his only grandchild Cody, rides on his tractor when he was young and telling him stories about how life was so different when he grew up. Robert was an avid reader, especially Westerns. His favorite author being Louis L’Amour.

Robert is survived by his wife, Wilma of 68 years, his children Judy Hughes, Charles City, Karen (Tom) Beyer, Osage, Dale (Brenda) Hughes of Floyd and grandson Cody (Holly) Duffield. Brother and sister in-law Lois (Stan) Litterer and Shirley (Dave) Ripley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Bernita (Bob) Chestek, Evelyn (Paul) Sturdivant, Geneva (LaVerne) Byers and brother Thomas (Unis) Hughes Jr.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.