Derek Lester Hughes

Derek Lester Hughes born July 28,1971 in Pocatello, Idaho to Larry L. Hughes and Linda Barnum Schmidt. Derek returned home to his loving Heavenly Father on May 10, 2013 at his home in Mesquite Nevada.

Derek spent the first 10 years of his life in Pocatello until his parents divorced and Linda moved the family to Mesquite.

Derek loved the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known to be able to catch a fish anywhere. Derek graduated from Virgin Valley High School in 1989. He served a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington DC South Mission.

Derek married Valerie Faught in 1994, and was later divorced. He married Amber Hatridge in 2001. They were blessed with 2 boys, Gage Lester and Wade Shaw. They were the joy of his life, and more than anything, he loved being their dad.

Derek worked for the City of Mesquite Fire Department starting as a volunteer at the young age of 17. He later became the Fire Chief for the City of Mesquite serving his community for 10 years. Derek was extremely personable and was loved by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Amber; 2 son's Gage and Wade; 2 stepson's James and Michael Hatridge; mother, Linda (Fred) Schmidt, father, Larry (Pam) Hughes; 1 brother, Darrin (Paige) Hughes; 3 sister's, Darece (Perry) Miller, Destini Green (Jason Monsen), Moria (Paul Hickman); several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparent's Lester and Vilate Barnum of Mesquite, and Leon and Gwendolyn Hughes of Pahrump.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Whipple Chapel, 121 Whipple Way in Mesquite, NV. Viewing's will be held Friday 6-8 p.m. and Saturday morning at the chapel from 9:00-10:45 a.m.

Arrangements have been made under the direction of the Virgin Valley Mortuary in Mesquite, NV. 320 East Old Mill Road, (702) 345-6060.