Donald Eugene Hughes, 65, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018, after a brief stay at John Knox Village Hospice in Lee’s Summit, MO. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 16th in Sni Mills Cemetery, south of Oak Grove, MO, at the F Hwy. and Colbern Road intersection. If desired, memorial donations may be made in Don’s honor to the non-profit Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City, PO Box 3446, Shawnee, KS 66203, to help physically and mentally challenged children in our area.
Don was born December 7, 1952, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of John W. and Eloise (Stark) Hughes. He lived with his paternal grandparents in Humansville, MO, during his younger years until the family moved to the Kansas City area. Don attended Blue Springs High School, where he lettered in football, wrestling, and track. He moved to Grain Valley for his Senior year and graduated in 1971. Don was married to Katherine Dickey of Grain Valley in 1971 and they were together for 40 years. He worked at various jobs throughout his life including selling insurance and real estate, cabinet making, Alton Box, McGrew Color Graphics, and was a Security Officer at Honeywell and Argosy Casino. Don always loved the outdoors and liked to fish and hunt with his friends. He especially enjoyed raising cattle, reading the Bible and western books, painting mountains and scenery, and leather working. Don was extremely surprised and humbled in December 2017 when he was awarded an honorary Black Belt in Karate from the Ryubei Kan Dojo / Ryubei Ryukyu Kempo Rengo Kai, where he previously studied and assisted Kaicho Allan Amor for many years.
Don was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Letha (Price) Hughes; his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Beatrice (Stark) Martin; and sister, Beatrice (Hughes) Meador.
He leaves behind his father, John Hughes (Pat); brothers, John Gregory Hughes-McGee (George) and Richard Hughes; half-sister, Jeanne (Hughes) Deremo; his pride and joy, daughter Kim (Hughes, Whittington) Flager (Max) of Pomona, KS; two grandsons, Kyle Whittington (Jennifer) and Gage Flager; granddaughter, Bailey Whittington (Clay); and two great-grandchildren: Janelle Bailey and Jagger Whittington. He also leaves a companion, Sherry (Talley) Choplin of the home; her daughter, Stephanie Bush (Shawn) and their sons, Shane, Scott, and Sam Bush.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
John and Helen
17 Sep 2020We will miss Don. We met at Forest Grove Church about 30 years ago. Been close friends ever since. He was a gentle man. Enjoyed playing cards and fishing with him. Some of our fondest memories. Deepest condolences to the family and friends. – John and Helen
Kyle, Bailey & Gage
17 Sep 2020If there’s anything to say it’s that he definitely loved us grandkids. He would have given us the world if it was his to give. Instead he left us many memories and lessons which we will hold close to our hearts. He is loved and missed dearly already. – Kyle, Bailey, & Gage