Verne Edward Hughes
Verne Edward Hughes, 86, passed away suddenly on January 12, 2015, at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Verne was born on October 18, 1928, in Long Beach, California to Clarence Lamar Hughes and Hilda Ida Neff. Growing up, Verne moved around with his family, but spent most of his life in the Malad City, Idaho, area.
Verne worked for the telephone company for many years. It was through his occupation that he met and fell in love with his wife, Lena Louise Rowbury. Together they celebrated 50 years of wonderful marriage. They were later sealed to one another along with their children in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1978.
He was able to take an early retirement from the phone company at the age of 58 after 35 years of working for Mountain Bell. Being one who didn’t like to stay idle, Verne decided to go back to school along with Louise in northern Idaho where they both became registered nurses in 1980. Together they enjoyed traveling and caring for others as nurses.
Verne loved to work with his hands in the garden. He also was very skilled at woodworking and even started a little business, Hughes’ Handcarts, where he handcrafted miniature handcarts.
Verne is survived by his wife, Lena Louise Hughes, of Idaho Falls and formally of Star Valley; his daughters: Robin Belinda Mathers of Oregon; Rose Michelle of Arizona; Kitti Kelley Hughes of Idaho Falls; and Tamalu Watkins of Wyoming; his sons: Nick R. Hughes of Colorado; Kelly V. Hughes of California; Randy Rex Hughes of Blackfoot; and Justin J. Kelly of Wyoming, who was like a son to Verne; 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held for Verne at 1:00 p.m. on January 15, 2015, at the St. John Cemetery located on cemetery road at the corner of 2000 North 2400 West, Malad, Idaho. Family will gather at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot, Idaho, prior to the services from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. After the gathering, the family will travel to the cemetery for the graveside portion of the services. Condolences maybe sent to the family at www.hawker-funeraIhome.com.