Francis Evans Hughes

Francis Hughes

Francis Evans Hughes passed away on February 17, 2009 at his home in Mesquite, Nevada. He was born in Mesquite on March 9, 1917 to Charles Arthur and Orilla Luella Leavitt Hughes. He grew up on the family dairy farm, learning the business and eventually working with his father and brothers until his retirement in 1977.

Francis attended the Virgin Valley schools and then served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in the Mediterranean Theater of World War II. He proposed to his sweetheart, Maurine Abbott by letter from North Africa, and following his return they were married on September 12, 1945 in the LDS Temple in Manti, Utah.

He is survived by his five children, Irmaleda (Gary) Anderson, Twila (Kent) Brinkerhoff, Mary Lynn (Larry) Morris, Mary Lee (Dennis) Taylor, Patrick John (Treva) Hughes; 25 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Owen Hughes, and two sisters, Vida Curry and Carmelia Hughes. Francis was preceded in death by his beloved Maurine, his parents, and brothers and sisters, Luella, Angie, Esmond, Dee, Leonard, Marion, Amanda, Wesley, and Thora.

Francis loved sports, especially basketball, and served many years as a referee for high school games. He was an accomplished gardener, and received many compliments on his yard and flower garden. His home grown vegetables were often received and appreciated by many friends and relatives.

He was proud to claim the distinction of being the oldest living native resident of Mesquite, and the oldest WWII Veteran. Francis was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities over the years. He served the community many years as President of the Water Board, being instrumental in providing Mesquite with its first culinary water; and as Chairman of the Television Board, bringing reception to Virgin Valley. He was the last surviving member of the crew hired by the C.C.C. that built the building that is now home to the Virgin Valley Museum.

He always said that a stranger was just a friend he had not yet met, and loved to reminisce about the early days of Mesquite with everyone and anyone.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 11:00 am in the LDS Whipple Chapel on Arrowhead Lane in Mesquite. Viewings will be held Friday, February 20 in the LDS Whipple Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Saturday prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment will be in the Mesquite City Cemetery.