Another of "The Greatest Generation" is gone: John Lee Hughes was born on July 24, 1927 to Commodore and Viola Hughes at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco, WA. He lived his entire life in the Tri-Cities (except for college, Go Cougs!) and graduated into eternal life with Jesus on July 14, 2018. He grew up on the family homestead in the Richland Wye (now Spaulding Business Park) and was proud of his heritage. His parents, brother and him survived the Great Depression but that experience never really left him, like many others who endured it. He graduated from Kennewick High in 1945 and Washington State College in 1950 with a B.A. in Business Administration. Dad loved music and played in the band throughout his schooling. If it were practical, he would have made playing music his career; even though that was not to be, music led him to his one great love. At WSC he met fellow clarinet player Verna Travis. Convincing her to marry him was "the greatest thing I ever did", an opinion he firmly held onto through almost 67 years of marriage. He and mom performed together often, including playing duets at church. He started his work career in insurance with Connecticut Mutual. A short stint in advertising followed before moving to Frontier Machinery (now RDO Equipment) as office manager. He retired in 1982. Four of us were blessed to call him Dad. Unconditional love and unwavering support came from both parents constantly through our lives. Although we all played music growing up, none of us matched dad's passion for it. When our pursuits turned elsewhere, even those things he had little interest in, he was always there, cheering us on. For example, although not much of a baseball fan, we estimate he saw a high percentage of all games the Mariners have EVER played, as watching them made Mom happy. John is survived by Verna, his wife of 66 years; children Jack, Dave (Tami), and Janet; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. His parents, brother Bob, daughter Valerie, and daughter-in-law Amy passed before him. We are forever grateful to his caregivers, including, but not limited to, Dr. Matt Smith, Trios ER, Total Care, Home Healthcare Solutions, and the Chaplaincy. They helped guide Dad through the final chapters of this life, allowing him to stay, and eventually pass away, at home. To Jodi, Jackie, Hannah, and many others, your love and care for Dad deeply touched us. A celebration of life will be held at South Hills Church on Friday June 27th, 2018 at 1:00 pm. A viewing will be held beforehand from 9:00-11:00 am at Mueller's on Union with gravesite service at Desert Lawn Memorial Park scheduled at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to worthy charities are encouraged; Young Life, End Alzheimer's, Hospice, Charity Water, and South Hills Church are organizations that are dear to our family. Dad, your life long announcement of faith gives us hope for the future. You have run the good race, reaching the finish line for this life. You will always be in our hearts, having been a wonderful influence on us all.