Richard Robert Hughes

Richard Robert Hughes Jr, 71 of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024. He was born on March 9, 1953, in Easton, PA to Richard Robert Hughes Sr and Nancy Jane Hughes. He was a 1971 graduate of Ft. Lauderdale High School. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Prause) Hughes who preceded him in death in 2022 after 21 years of marriage. 

Richard worked as a cab driver for Miami Dade County in his early 20’s as well as landscape maintenance for the city of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He worked with funeral homes and was a skilled embalmer. He was previously married to Colleen J Lloyd in Florida. He remarried to Donna J Swenson (Pettyjohn) who brought him to Michigan in the 1980’s with whom he had his three children. He was a corrections officer for the State of Michigan from 1984-2000 and was awarded for performing CPR and saving the life of an inmate in distress. He ended his working career driving professionally for Otsego County Bus with Kathy as a bus aid at his side.

Richard was a member of the Masons and Shriners organization. He also enjoyed singing and was a part of a few choirs. He sang in the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Symphony Chorus, various church choirs, Interlochen Choir and the Michelson Singers. Richard was an avid golfer and also enjoyed sports, especially the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. He enjoyed snowmobiling and boating with his brother-in-law Norman McCall and son Chuck. (A small election year fun fact is Richard always predicted the winner of every presidential election and only voted for the winners no matter the party). 

He is survived by his siblings, Robin Schwartz and Fred (Betsy) Hughes; children, Joe (Lindsey) Hughes, Ann (Matt) Buehler, and Chuck (Valerie) Hughes; brother-in-law Norman McCall; stepsons, Brad (Danielle) Prause, and Dan (Sandra) Prause; grandchildren, Lydia, Kate, Eli, Parker, Charlotte, August, Zoe, Tyler, Darryn, Matthew and Jolynn. 

A special thanks to August Haus of Gaylord, MI and Karen Witte Hospice RN for their care. A graveside service will be set at a later time.