Wiliam Carey Hughes, Sr.

William Carey Hughes, Sr., 93, passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 21, 2013 at the Washington Odd Fellows Home in Walla Walla, WA.

William was born March 22, 1920 to Philip Joseph and Mary Josephine Carey Hughes in Walla Walla. He was their only son and the youngest of three children. As a child, he attended Berney Grade School and graduated from high school from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1938. William attended Seattle University for two years and Walla Walla Business College for two years.

William and Eleanor Sarah Nelson were married on November 4, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walla Walla. They made their home and raised their two children on the family farm northeast of Dixie. Eleanor passed away on May 9, 2002.

William began farming with his uncle, Patrick Joseph Hughes in 1941. He loved being a farmer and considered it his hobby as well as his occupation. William was involved in farming wheat, peas, and barley for 70 years. He also raised cattle for a number of years.

William will be remembered by family and friends as an honorable man. His word and a handshake were as good as a signed contract.

William was a member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Oregon Washington Pea Growers Association, Washington Cattlemen’s Association, Walla Walla Elks Lodge #287, Walla Walla Eagles Aerie #26, and Walla Walla Knights of Columbus #766, 3rd & 4th Degrees. He was a founding member of Assumption Catholic Church, served on the Board of Directors of the Walla Walla Farmers Co-op for 9 years, and was a Fire Commissioner for Walla Walla County Fire District 8 for 19 years.

William was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters; Florence Margaret Hughes and Patricia Gladys McGlothlin. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Ann Bowles (John) of Walla Walla and his son, William Carey Hughes, Jr. of Waitsburg. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Rosary in William’s memory will be recited on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. following the recitation of the rosary. Vault interment will follow the Funeral Mass at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Center, Walla Walla Community Hospice or a charity of donor’s choice through Herring Groselcose Funeral Home.