"Pam and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you carry the memories of Jr. with you until you met again. I always enjoyed the kids and have fond memories of their time with me. Prays and sympathy to you all. "
George Gerard Hughes, Jr., son of George and Cecilia (Doyle) Hughes, was born on July 16, 1950, in Shenandoah, Iowa. He entered into eternal rest on Tuesday morning, June 24, 2014, at his home in rural Randolph, Iowa at the age of 63.
George or Junior, as most people knew him, lived most all his life in the Imogene and Randolph area. His early education started at Honey Creek country school, later attending St. Patrick's Academy in Imogene. He graduated from Farragut High School with the Class of 1968. Following graduation he joined the family farming operation. In May of 1970, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant, before receiving his honorable discharge in November of 1971.
On April 28, 1979, George was united in marriage to the love of his life, Pamela Nanette Carter at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Following their marriage they moved to their current residence in rural Randolph/Imogene. He farmed in the Randolph and Imogene area from his childhood until 1989. George was employed by ConAgra Snack Foods since 1989. He also owned the Emerald Isle in Imogene from 1998 through 2001 and at that time he started another business, Mr. H's Discount's, which he owned and operated through 2006/2007.
During high school, he served as Senior Class President, and was also involved in FFA, wrestling, cross country and track and field. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Imogene Community Playhouse. His hobbies included spending time with family and friends, especially grilling out and listening to music. He also enjoyed farming, growing a garden, playing pool, singing and listening to "Country and Irish" music, old cars (especially Model T's) and finding "good deals" at auctions.
Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Cecilia Hughes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Jeanette Carter; and several special cousins. Survivors include his wife, Pamela Hughes; five children, Amanda Blackburn and her husband Jarod of Council Bluffs, IA, Thomas Hughes of Omaha, NE, Paula Hughes of Tabor, IA, Barbara Hughes of Nebraska City, NE and Andrew Hughes of Randolph, IA; seven grandchildren, Teagan Blackburn, Quinten Vogel, Mylie Hughes, Alayna Hughes, Braylie Blackburn, Maci Cooper and Zayden Hughes; seven siblings, Kathy Hughes, Connie Vondra, Joyce Swanson and husband Bob, Veronica Barry and husband Tom, Martha Fritz, Nora Vondra and husband Larry, all of Omaha, NE and Pat Hughes of Syracuse, NE; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Imogene. Celebrant was Father Kenneth Gross. The immediate family placed the Pall. Lector was Jake McGargill. Song leader was Therese Sunderman. Altar servers were Seth Hughes, Blake Doyle and Sam Vandenburg. Gift bearers were Teagan Blackburn, Quinten Vogel, Mylie Hughes, Alayna Hughes, Braylie Blackburn, Maci Cooper and Zayden Hughes. Attending the memory register were Kelly McGargill Jones and Karla Hughes. Bell toller was George McGargill. Casket bearers were Keith Hughes, Shawn Vondra, Brian Vondra, Pat Barry, Jeff Swanson and Anthony Vondra. Honorary casket bearers were Dean Maher, Tom Leahy, David Hughes, Bernie Hughes, Keith James and John Clark. Interment was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery at Imogene. Memorials are being directed to the St. Patrick Catholic Church in George's name.
"Pam and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you carry the memories of Jr. with you until you met again. I always enjoyed the kids and have fond memories of their time with me. Prays and sympathy to you all. "
"Pam and family, My mom and dad (Denny and Georgia Criger) worked with George for several years at ConAgra and I also worked with him there for about 10 years. He was always a super nice and funny guy and we have nothing but the utmost respect for him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. God Bless."
"Pam and family, I am so sorry for your loss. George was very loved. He will be greatly missed."
"My prayers go out to George's family.I worked with him at Conagra,he was such a honest,friendly and caring man.He was very courageous fighting this battle.Keep looking up for HE is our strength."
"Jr. was a great guy! He was a person of high integrity,very humble..........a person you could feel very comfortable around. He was a person you could believe in. Ron & Ruth Hughes West Des Moines"
"So very sorry Pam and family....Somehow hoping you find comfort in the memories you hold in your heart!"
"Pam & family, So sorry to hear of Jr.s passing, keep the memories of him close to your hearts and cherish them forever. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer."
"A strong man of unbelievable faith and determination. Prayers and hugs for the family. You have all been so strong through a very long trial. Also for sharing an equally strong and faithful daughter-in-law, Amanda Blackburn, with us. What a blessing she is. Hold on to the happy memories and the unique George smile and humor. Let there be peace for a great husband and father."
"Pam and kids. Sorry for your loss! Jr. was part of Imogene like so many others. He will be missed!"