Donald E. Hughes

Donald E. Hughes, age 87 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Donald E. Hughes was born March 3, 1926 in St. Thomas, ND the son of the late Cecil and Anna May (Brown) Hughes. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1944. He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946 serving on the USS Saratoga. Following his discharge he returned to St. Thomas and started farming. Donald was united in marriage to Betty Burgess on October 12, 1948 in St. Thomas. The couple lived and farmed near St. Thomas until retiring in 1981. The couple started traveling to Mesa, AZ and eventually moved there. Betty passed away on May 6, 2005. In 2009 Donald started summering in St. Thomas and wintering in Mesa. He eventually moved back to St. Thomas. Donald was a life member and past commander of the St. Thomas American Legion Post, served as past president of the St. Thomas School Board. He was a member of the St. Thomas Masonic Lodge and served as a scout master. Donald is survived by his children: Dr. Larry (Sandy) Hughes, Hemet, CA; Linda (Marvin) Eliason, Fountain Hills, AZ; Lynn (Kris) Hughes, St. Thomas, ND; Ladawn Hughes (Scott Viol), Mesa, AZ; eight grandchildren: Dr. Heather (Joe) Hicks, David (Heather) Hughes, Michael (Andrea) Hughes, Mindy (Jeff) Lupien, Matthew (Carrie) Hughes, Jennifer Thompson, Michael Lande and Maxwell Viol, 13 great grandchildren: C.J., Austin, Henry, Hannah, Jacob, August, Audrey, Cole, Caden, Calvin, Cooper, Preston and Shawn, his sister, Phyllis (Tom) Potter, Sun City, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and grandson, Jon Eliason. Funeral services will be Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Thomas United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the St. Thomas American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Interment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery.