He attended school in Monticello and graduated from Monticello High School in 1952. He attended Monticello A & M for two years, Florida State for two years and graduated with a BGS in history from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1974. He was a retired Lt. Col. of the U. S. Air Force, following 22 years of active service. The 3 years immediately preceding his retirement from the military in May 1977, he served as executive officer for the commander of the 832nd Air Division and as deputy base commander at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM. He was commissioned through the Aviation Cadet Program in December 1956, after completing pilot training at Bainbridge AFB in Georgia and Bryan AFB in Texas. As a combat ready F-100 fighter pilot and later as a forward air controller, he flew 296 combat missions in Southeast Asia. In addition to state side assignments, he served tours of duty in Turkey, England, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and the Panama Canal Zone. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Vietnamese Civic Action Honor Medal, first Class. When he returned to Monticello in 1977, he served as manager of the Monticello Pink Tomato Growers Association. He also served as Drew County Judge for 9 ½ years. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Betty Allison Hughes of Monticello; three children, Robert D. Hughes of Georgetown, TX, Jay L. Hughes and R. Chris Hughes Pace, both of Monticello; one sister, Barbara Fleming of Pine Bluff, AR; six grandsons, two granddaughters, one step-grandson, six great-grandchildren, two nephews, four nieces, and many more extended relatives and friends.
Condolences(37)
Dorothy McWhorter
Dallas, TX Thursday, June 13, 2013 This country has again lost one of our finest - the best of the best.Allen and Carla Jeter
Crossett, AR Monday, June 10, 2013 Jay we just read where your dad passed away. We are so sorry to hear this and want you and your family to know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Hughes gave so much to his country and to Monticello and to his family!!! May God Bless all of you at this time!!Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Saturday, June 1, 2013 You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Dale grew up near my family's home. He was a very dedicated and good man. May God surround you with his loving arms, give you comfort and peace. With Sympathy, Janice Gladden McAllisterAaron Sweeten
La Porte,Tx, TX Saturday, June 1, 2013 Papaw will be dearly missed by me He was a great man that showed me many things about life. We werent blood but he treated me like I was and I treated him like he was. Thinking back I have alot of great memories of papaw that i will carry with me. I love you papaw..Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Friday, May 31, 2013 I was shocked to hear that Mr. Hughes had passed. When i worked as a 4-H program Assistant, Mr. Hughes was always willing to do whatever he could to help the children. He was always very kind to the youngsters and me. I recently discovered that his grandson, Jacob, is a Corrections Officer at the Delta Regional Unit in Dermott where I teach. So to his family, I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am glad that I had the opportunity to know him. God bless you all.Carole Bowers
Monticello, AR Friday, May 31, 2013 May Gods peace find you at this time of separation from your loved one , remembering that we will betogether again someday.
Jerry E Carter
Mabelvale, AR Friday, May 31, 2013 I am a 1952 classmate of Dales, A few years ago my wife of 58 years and I were at your house for a wonderful fish fry. We have never forgotten. A good time was had by all. We are so sorry that your family has lost such a good man. So you might understand who I am, Marie Echols was my sister!marilyn Jones Cox
Silsbee, TX Friday, May 31, 2013 Dale was one of my favorite classmates. He always made our class-reunions so special by inviting all of us to his home for fish-fry ect. Even tho we didn' t see him that often;I am going to miss Him. Seems like God blessed him with a very good life and a wonderfull family!! Goodby DaleCherie Brown
, AR Friday, May 31, 2013 You all are in my thoughts and prayers!Bobbie Ross
Warren, AR Friday, May 31, 2013 Betty and family, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. May God bless you all during this difficult time.Lindy Hester
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Jay & family and Karla & family--My thoughts and prayers are with you.Alvin and irma james
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 To the family of. Mr dale : our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a great man and always friendly to everyone! Pleasure working with. Him.Boyd Savage
Crossett, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Betty and family, so very sorry to hear of Dale's passing. He was a great man. I pray God's grace will cover you and keep you during these times of sorrow. I am here if ever you need me.Boyd
Janice and Fred Taylor
Little Rock, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Fred and I are sorry to hear of Dale's death. We have fond memories of your family. Our best to all of you.Janice and Fred Taylor
Ron Chesser
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Dear Betty Lou,So sorry to hear about Dale. I know you are going to miss him. You two had a great ride together. Praying for you and your family.
See you tomorrow,
Cousin Ronnie Chesser
Laura Lee Dearman
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Betty, and family, please accept my most sincere condolences on your losing Dale. He was definitely a man with character and integrity and such a good father and grandfather. I think a lot of you and consider you a dear friend. I want you to know if there is anything we can do for you, I hope you won't hesitate to call on us. God bless you!David Perry
ARKANSAS, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Betty: and family our prayers are with you. Dale was alway a great friend to me while in Monticello. We will all miss him. Kay and I will be thinking of you all.David Perry
Ronnie and Lori McCoy
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 30, 2013 Please accept our deepest sympathy. Mr. Hughes was a fine man. You are all in our prayers.Pam and Ray Stephenson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Betty and family,We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Dale. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
With deepest sympathy,
Ray and Pam Stephenson
James & Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Dear Family, Dale was such a wonderful man. I never knew him until he became our County Judge and he did a great job of it as he did of everything he did. I never saw him that he didn't have that big smile and speak. We will miss him. You are all in our prayers. Heaven's gain is our loss.Jackie and Lisa Davis
Harrison, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Mrs. Betty and Chris and family: We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Hughes' passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Mr & Mrs Bobby Gilliam
Shreveport, LA Wednesday, May 29, 2013 We are so sorry for all of Dale Family having grown up wilh him in Monticello and his sister at Enon whereshe goes to Enon Baptiest Church who married Fred Fleming Dale has always been a close friend and a classmate in Monticello. Good bless his family. If I was able we would be there and Margaret Tindall Gilliam.
Robin & Kenny Johnson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Betty and Family,Our hearts are so heavy after hearing the loss of Dale. What a fine man he was always having a sweet smile when he spoke to you. God has gotten a true leader and he will be watching over each of you.
Robin & Kenny Johnson
Angela Summerford
Crossett, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers with be with the family.Shannon Summerford Ellington
Pine Bluff, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Aunt Betty & familySo sorry to hear about Uncle Dale. He was a very dear & special man. I will greatly miss him. He always had a big smile & hug that made you feel so loved. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Dean & Pat Kinney
Maumelle, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Dear Betty, Pat & I were so sorry to hear the news about Dale. We have such fond memories of the times we were there for the July 4th. & also for your golden anniversary. We will be praying for you during these difficult days.Kathey Smith
, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Mrs. Betty and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.Eula Mae Hales Waller
Plano, TX Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Dear Betty, We will miss Dale greatly. He was always there for us at our class reunions. Thank you both for the great class reunions at you home. God by with you and your family.Mae and Bill
Glenda Andrews
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Ms. Betty, I was sad to hear of Mr. Dale's passing. Such a fine, noble man who, I know, you will miss every minute of every day! I was so happy to see you at the recital last week, laughing and talking with you and loving on you just fills me up!! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love,Glenda
Robert Hughes
Georgetown, TX Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful earthly father. My Dad loved God, his family and country/community. My Dad lived and walked in the Spirit.Galatians 5: 22-23 (NKJV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Mrs. Betty and family: So sorry to hear of Mr. Dale's passing. Prayers for peace and comfort for you all. I have fond memories of playing music at your beautiful place for a big anniversary party and other occasions. Judge Hughes was a very fine man.Gary Harrison
Mena, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 A wonderful man that touched so many lives. A mile marker in my life that will not be forgotten.HAZEL POTTS
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, May 29, 2013 DEAR BETTY LOU AND FAMILYWE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DALE GOING HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD, HE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR ALL HE MET.OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN THE LOVING ARMS OUR OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
HAZEL AND CHILDDREN
bettye carter johnson
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Dear Betty and Family,Dale was a very special person and will be missed by all that knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bettye
PT Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 28, 2013 So very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Susan Stephenson Smith
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Betty and family, I am so sad to hear about Dale. My prayers are with you. I have such wonderful memories of our fun times together making the float and the trip to Little Rock and also the big event we attended. We definitely made many lasting memories. You are all so very special to me and were a big part of my life. Praying for all of you! SusanRobin Potts Bays
Bentonville, AR Tuesday, May 28, 2013 So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Dale. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.Lots of love,
Robin