In loving memory of

Joseph "Joe" E. Hughes
September 24, 1932 - January 22, 2016

Joseph "Joe" Edward Hughes, son of Leo and Lucille (Regan) Hughes, was born September 24, 1932 in rural Imogene, Iowa. He passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa. He was 83 years old.

Joe spent his entire early life on the family farmstead with the exception of his time served with U.S. Army from 1953 until is honorable discharge in 1955. He attended Honey Creek Country School in rural Imogene and graduated from Saint Patrick's High School in Imogene, Iowa.

Joe was united in marriage to Jackie Reed on April 7, 1956 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. They resided on the family farm in rural Imogene, Iowa.

Joe farmed his entire life, also working a year for Eaton's Corporation from 1982 to 1983. Joe also worked at and retired from the United State Postal Service, delivering mail to his rural customers. He was a member of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa, Knights of Columbus and served on Farragut Community School Board for more then 10 years. Joe enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren sporting events and their various other activities.

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter Kolleen Hughes McGargill, parents Leo and Lucille (Regan) Hughes, brother Johnny Hughes, sister Mary Hughes Ditmars, sister Irene Hughes Maca, brother Billy Hughes, and brother Jude Hughes.

Joe is survived by his wife Jackie (Reed) Hughes of Imogene, Iowa, children Kim Hughes and wife Becky of Imogene, Iowa, Kelly Hughes of Imogene, Iowa, Kevin Hughes and wife Stacy of Council Bluff, Iowa, Karla Hughes of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Karoline Carnes and husband Scott of Farragut, Iowa, Kenny Hughes and wife Teresa of Randolph, Iowa, Kay Durfey and husband Doug of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Karrie Hughes of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kirk Hughes and wife Emily of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Kris Hughes Rush of Council Bluffs, Iowa, 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, numerous other relative and friends.

Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Imogene, Iowa with military rites provided by Shenandoah American Legion Post 88.

Memorials may be direct to Doctors without Borders, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, St. Patrick's Catholic Church Masses, Sons & Daughters of Imogene or AseraCare Hospice.

Tributes

Michael Elliott wrote on Jan 30, 2016:

"Sorry to hear about Joe's passing my prayers are with your family. "

Steve Humphrey wrote on Jan 26, 2016:

"You are all in my thoughts and prayers, I'm sure Joe and dad will meet up along the way. God Bless"

Mike Tillman wrote on Jan 26, 2016:

"Hughes family, you are in my thoughts and prayers ..."

Laura Riley wrote on Jan 25, 2016:

"To the Joe Hughes Family: My sincere sympathies go out to you. Losing a parent is never easy. Losing a loved one that was as active as your Dad was in your lives even less so. May God bless you and know that heaven has gained another good soul. God Bless Laura (Pace) Riley "

Sue Hillyard wrote on Jan 25, 2016:

"Sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I was lucky enough to get to know and work with him. He will always be remembered. "

Kathy Maca wrote on Jan 25, 2016:

"Jackie and family, My thought s and prayers for all as you say your final goodbyes. Others are rejoicing that went before him as he starts his new journey with them. Love And God Bless Kathy and Matthew Maca "

Donna (Campin) Seitz wrote on Jan 25, 2016:

"Joe was a true Imogene Legend ~ what a great guy! So sorry for our loss Jackie and family ~ prayers to you all!"

Connie Scott wrote on Jan 25, 2016:

"What a wonderful person and he always had time to visit. He will really be missed."

Ethan Wilkinson wrote on Jan 24, 2016:

"So sorry to hear of grandpa's passing. My thoughts are with everyone! Love Ethan"

Elmer Mattern wrote on Jan 24, 2016:

"So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Elmer Mattern and Family"

Neil Bartelt wrote on Jan 24, 2016:

"What a great man. What an amazing legacy he leaves behind. One of the best! Neil Bartelt"

Larry Young wrote on Jan 24, 2016:

"Jackie and family,we were sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was such a kind man.Prayers to all of you. Larry and Kelly Young"

Larry Young wrote on Jan 24, 2016:

"Jackie and family,we were sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was such a kind man.Prayers to all of you. Larry and Kelly Young"

Patty "DOYLE " Niedermyer wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"So Very Sorry To Hear Prayers, Love & Hugs To All. Patty "DOYLE " Niedermyer "

Rosanne Hughes Nielsen wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"I remember how caring and loving Joe was to our family when we lost our dear father, mother, and nephew. He was a one of a kind, very special person. I will remember his smile and humour. I am picturing him on a tractor in heaven! May he rest in peace with his departed Irish family. "

Jason Ross wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"To the Hughes family sorry for your loss I remember meeting him one time even though Jason and I known each other for over 30 years, He said sombody has one of those big boom boxes in their car and laughed. You guys are in our prayers"

Mike Saner wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to Jackie. He was such a good person with an amazing smile. "

Carolyn Maher wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend! He will be missed by so many friends and loving family. Heaven gained an angel in Joe! Our condolences to the entire Hughes family. Marty and Carolyn Maher"

Jody Pedersen wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

" Prayers and sympathy to the Hughes family. I have many fond memories of Joe and the whole family from our years of 4-H together. "

Rita (Perkins) Kennedy wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"So sorry to here of Joe's passing made me remember of the times he had my Dad work on his tractor and his coming to both of there visitations and even the fish fry at Smitty's in Tabor. Prayers and hugs to all of you."

Jeff Hiser wrote on Jan 23, 2016:

"My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. It may be a sad day for those left here on earth to remember Joe and his life but what a glorious celebration he is receiving in heaven. Joe was a true example of what a father should be. He will be missed but he left great memories for all of his family and friends. God Bless each and everyone one of the family members."

Elmer and Sharon Swank wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Prayers to the family. Elmer and Sharon Swank"

Casey, Tracy, Hannah, Colin, & Cael Campin wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Heaven gained a great one. He was not only a father to his family, but to many of us in the community and we loved him for that. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hughes family. "

Barbara Cunningham wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Such a good man. Such an example for others. My sympathy. "

Rick Allely wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"What a great man dedicated to family, community, and serving others. Simply one of the nicest guys I ever had the privilege to know. RIP as we have everyone in our thoughts and prayers. Rick, Olivia and Nathan Allely"

Ronda Hughes wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"God Bless the family. Joe was a kind man."

Shannon and lavonne wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Karla and family. We are so sorry to hear of Joes passing. What a wonderful man. With an amazing family."

Becky Lorimor wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"To all of Joe's family - it is with a saddened, but glad heart I write this. Saddened for all of you, saddened that I won't see Joe at the Botna games, cheering Kennedy on and telling his great stories! Glad because such a wonderful guy is now at peace and will be cheering and telling stories in Heaven. Quite a guy, who, with the help of a beautiful wife, raised a wonderful family!!! God Bless you all. RIP, JOE, RIP."

Tom & Sue Spears wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Jackie and family, Tom & I were so sorry to hear about Joe. He was one of the good ones! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. Tom & Sue Spears"

Grace Albers wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Joe Hughes Family: my mother, Dorothy Gutschenritter, and Joe's mom, Lucille Hughes, were cousins and good friends. It was fun to see her when down to Shenandoah visiting mom. We send our condolences to Joe's wife and family. (Grace Gutschenritter) Albers."

Doug and Wendee McVicker wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Sorry to here about Joe's passing. He will be missed by many. Joe was a strong influence on our teaching and coaching at Farragut. He was a great, and respected person. Our condolence's to Jackie and his wonderful family. Doug and Wendee McVicker"

Shannon Athen wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families at this time of sorrow. Joe was a "one of a kind" guy! Heaven truly did receive an extremely wonderful Angel. Take comfort in cherishing all the wonderful memories. God bless with greatest sympathy! Trey, Curtis and Shannon Athen"

Colleen Gipe wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Doug and I are sending our love and prayers!!! Joe was really a nice guy and always had a smile for you.. Colleen and Doug Gipe I am in Texas and won't be home for his services."

Barb Martin wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"We are so sorry for your loss. Joe will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this hard time. Barb & Rosalynn Martin"

Joni Hoffman wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Hughes Family, Sorry for you loss. You are in my thoughts. Joni"

Kevin and Karen Hansen wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"Our thoughts are prayers are with all the Hughes family with the loss of Joe. "

Mary Rose(Perkins)Shedd wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"So sorry to hear Joe was a really good friend and always knew a person. He'll be visiting with my my parents once again."

Deb Hughes Bichel wrote on Jan 22, 2016:

"So sorry for the family's loss. I have fond memories of visiting as a kid."