Charles Hughes

Charles “Charlie” Hughes of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away January 7, 2019 at Northcare Hospice, from respiratory failure.

Charlie was born November 10, 1928 in Deer Trail, Colo., and moved to Lawson, Mo., at an early age. After graduating from Lawson High School he joined the Navy, serving 6 years, after which he settled in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Charlie worked as an independent distributor for Manor Baking with routes in and around Excelsior Springs for 8 years. During that time he purchased and managed an apartment building that also served as the family’s residence. In the late 1960’s he leased and operated the Y Phillips 66, a full-service gas station in the Y crossroads area of Excelsior Springs. In the early 70’s he bought land on 69 Highway just outside of Lawson where he built Hughes Self Service and actively operated the business for many years. The station is now leased to and operated by his son Gary and wife Carolyn. Work was Charlie’s main hobby and he loved the interaction it allowed him with his customers, who many times became good friends. He loved to drive and traveled the U.S. extensively and enjoyed many trips and cruises with family and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Myrtle Hughes.

Survivors include wife, Mary June Hughes of the home; sister, Helen Anderson of Lawson; daughter, Sheila Thomson and husband, Ron of Kansas City; son, Gary Hughes and wife, Carolyn of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; stepdaughter, Gina Smith and husband, Lenny of Excelsior Springs; stepson, Bret Teegarden and wife, Candy of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Lawson Christian and Presbyterian Church in Lawson, Mo., on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Funeral service at the church will begin at 12:00 noon, with graveside service immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to The Salvation Army.