Robert Hughes

Robert Joseph Hughes (“Bob”) was 88 years old when he went to Heaven on August 14, 2024. He was born on July 15, 1936 in Corinth, NY to parents Joseph Hughes and Kathleen Brown. He lived on a farm in upstate New York until about age 15, when he came west with his mother. He spent his school years in Montana, Oregon, Washington, & Idaho. He graduated from High School in Wenatchee, WA then went to college at Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho.

He was a Veteran, serving in the Army for two years at Fort Lewis, WA. Most of his service used his musical gifts as a member of the Army Band, playing a variety of brass instruments. His primary interest was music, but most of his experience was playing the tuba.

He finished his college degree at Seattle Pacific University, where he met and married his wife Coral (Helm) on September 21, 1969. At the time of his death they had been married nearly 55 years.

Bob had a strong work ethic. In his early years, a variety of jobs provided him with interesting stories to tell. Most of his work life was in the transportation industry in Seattle and Portland, OR. After retiring, he moved to the Long Beach Peninsula, where he worked part time for 19 years for Pacific Transit. He was gifted with patience and compassion for dealing with all people, and considered his work a type of personal ministry.

Bob was a good, kind, and loving man. He was a classic "old school" gentleman. He was spiritually sensitive, wise and seeking to please the Lord. He lived the scripture in Micah 6:8, “..to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with His God”. Bob loved God, and chose to serve Him by working most of his life, and loving others. His favorite scripture verse was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you, and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future”. He and Coral were in fellowship with believers at Peninsula Baptist Church.

Bob was known for his upbeat outlook on life. He had a great sense of humor, ability to tell stories & jokes, and make others laugh. He was gifted with a good mind and an unusual memory. Bob loved history, and entertained others with stories from the past. Bob always loved the sport of Baseball, and could recall totally useless statistics that could only be appreciated by a few diehard baseball fans.

Bob was gifted with a wonderful baritone singing voice, which he used to glorify God with solos in churches, in choirs, and gospel quartets through the years. He especially loved old style hymns, harmony and gospel music.

Everyone who ever knew Bob loved him. He was a good husband, brother, Uncle, and friend who gave others many happy memories. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Coral (Helm) Hughes; sister, Gail Baer & husband Michael; brother John Williams & wife Evelyn; brother Howard Hughes & wife Beth (nephew Daniel Hughes & family); brother-in-law Everett Helm & wife Carroll; nephew Daniel Helm & wife Lisa (children Nora & Edie); niece Sara DuVal & husband Alan (children William & Aurora). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ken Williams.

 Bob’s ashes were buried on September 5, 2024 in a family plot in Moscow, Idaho, by the pioneer Roberts family, who homesteaded near there. A memorial service will be held at on Saturday, October 19, 2pm, at Peninsula Baptist Church, Ocean Park, WA.