Joseph Hughes

Joseph Alma Hughes, a depression-era baby, was born malnourished on November 15, 1933 to Lucile Austin & Ray King Hughes in Cedar City, Utah, the lack of nutrients creating issues throughout his life. The last born, he was caboose to siblings Mary Lou, King and Dave. The family spent time in Provo & Santa Monica, CA before settling in downtown Salt Lake City. He was a scrappy little boy left to his own devices, who often slipped out of his second story window, slid down a tree and headed to Memory Grove, where he kept a sleeping bag hidden to camp throughout the summer. He lived next door to the Governor’s Mansion, where he played with Governor Maw’s daughters LaRue & Jeanne, and remembered setting up pins in the downstairs bowling alley.
He attended the historic Lafayette School near State Street & North Temple, where his all-time favorite teacher, Stella Archer, trained her young students in the art of choral music. He loved what they accomplished and his passion for music was established; (he was still trying to master the guitar at 80, even though his fingers just wouldn’t callous!) A free-spirited teen, he attended West High School then earned his GED years later. He worked on the RPO, sorting mail on the postal route between SLC & Montana before taking an early medical retirement due to deteriorating eyesight. A jack of all trades, he dabbled in real estate, owned a motel in Panguitch and installed draperies in Oregon.
‘Alma’ married Hazel Carter in 1953 and had three children before divorcing: Kelly (Vali) Kremer; Christy (Eric) Johnson; Kenneth (deceased) (Natalie) Kremer. In 1964, the newly rebranded ‘Joe,’ married JoAnne Gerber and had two more sons: Jim (Kathy) and Jeff (Karen); they had a long and loving union until her death in 1999. He was looking forward to finding out if there was anything to this ‘life after death story’ and whether he would see his sweetheart again. On the day of his passing, with family by his side, he opened his eyes in wonder and seemed to speak to someone; a moment later he re-opened his eyes, set his jaw and his gaze and peacefully slipped away. That evening, a beautiful double rainbow appeared to family, suggesting that the reunion had indeed taken place and he was off on a grand new adventure with his favorite travel partner.
A man of few words (‘Hey Kiddo!’ ‘Oh, I don’t care’), he nonetheless made his love for family and friends known through quiet acts. He traveled great distances to attend a concert, sporting event or wedding to support his children, 25 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He shared his favorite camping spots, the secrets to catching trout at Flaming Gorge and hidden levels on Mario and Zelda. Joe loved to camp, fish, play games, read and have adventures. He gave random gifts – road trips, games and gadgets, just so he could share his joys and passions. He became a Big Fan of Amazon Prime, receiving new stuff almost daily, in fact many a conversation began with, “Want to see my new toy?” Memories of his homemade waffles, applesauce and bread will be treasured, as will his annual reading of ‘The Night before Christmas.’
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on July 31, 2015 from 5:00-7:00pm at Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, UT; we invite you to come share a story or memory with family and friends. At Joe’s request, his ashes will be scattered at Flaming Gorge at a later date.