Hughes, Edward "Papa" Joseph 1940-2013

HUGHES, MALIK, FLATHERS, NUTTING

Posted By: Ruth - Volunteer
Date: 3/28/2013 at 19:30:04

Edward “Papa” Joseph Hughes, Jr. of DeWitt, Iowa, died Friday afternoon, March 8, 2013, in the warmth and comfort of his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Edward Joseph Hughes, Jr. was born July 9, 1940, to Edward, Sr. and Mildred (Malik) Hughes in Davenport, Iowa. He attended Bettendorf High School and St. Ambrose College. Ed worked at Alcoa in Bettendorf, Iowa, for 31 years as a production control administrator, retiring in 1990. After retiring from Alcoa, he followed his dream and became a Iowa State Licensed Private Investigator.

Ed was a Junior Achievement Advisor, a certified Master Gardener and Alcoa Club President. He served in the National Guard for six years and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was a member of St. Joseph Church in DeWitt.

Ed married Sandra Jean Flathers, his high school sweetheart and love of his life, in 1959 and was married 53 years.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy; his daughter Mary Beth (Todd) Nutting of Boise, Idaho; sons, David (Theresa) of Elgin, Illinois, Steven (Shelly) of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Michael (Anne) of LeClaire, Iowa. Also surviving are brothers, Jerry (Judy) Hughes of Arizona, and Roger (Marilyn) Hughes of Illinois; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Hughes of Davenport.

Preceding Ed in death were his parents and brothers, Randy and Preston “Dale”.

His hobbies included woodworking, crossword puzzles, cryptoquotes, grilling outdoors and cribbage. Ed very much enjoyed fishing with his best buddy Dale Braack, who preceded him in death just two months earlier. Together they fished two weeks every year for over twenty-fives years.

Edward was known as "Papa" to his family. His nine grandchildren, Genevieve, Reba, Ryan, Trevor, Nathan, Johanna, Jack, Elizabeth and Melissa were the pride and joy of his life. He also loved his furry companions, Simba, Sissy, Lucy and Desi.

Per Ed's request, there will be no services. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Labrador Rescue Organization http://lab.rescueme.org/Iowa

Slow and easy, God Bless and seat belts! Arrangements are in care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.