Cebert W. "Cy" Hughes

Hughes, Cebert "Cy" W. of East Lansing, MI, formerly of Chelsea, age 96, passed away on March 20, 2017. Cy, as he was well known to all who knew him, was born on September 27, 1920 in Wayne, MI. Cebert was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Agnes C. Hughes; his mother Alice A. (Nowland) Hughes; step parents, Ivan and Martha Routson; and older brother and best friend, Leroy (Russ) Hughes. Surviving to cherish his memory are his three children, Carol Ann (William) Young of Grass Lake, Michael Stephen (Sheila) Hughes of East Lansing; Jeffery Lee (Lowene) Hughes of Grass Lake; six grandchildren, Andrew (Penny) Hughes Sr., Geoffery (Katharine) Hughes, Sean (Tiffany) Hughes, Chad (Anna) Young, Laurel (Kevin) Mooney, Kent Young; six great-grandchildren, Andrew Jr., Alexander, Olivia, Michael, Christopher, and Christian; and other relatives, friends, and associates. Cy grew up in the Ann Arbor area with his stepfather, Ivan A. Routson; mother, Alice; and older brother, Russ. He spent his childhood on a farm in Dixboro and graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1939. He became a five time, Michigan Golden Glove Boxing Champion in the lightweight division before entering the Army in 1943. As a United States Army Ranger, he served in North Africa and later in Italy, where he was captured prisoner of war by the Germans on September 13, 1943. He was wounded two times in combat. After arriving in Germany with other captured soldiers, he was interned at Stolog 3B in Leubeck, Germany for two years until his liberation, which was aided by the English, in 1945. He was awarded several service medals, including two Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal, European Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1945, Cy became a Police Officer for the City of Ann Arbor and served for fourteen years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He attended Michigan State University's Arson School. After leaving the department, he continued working for the City assuming the position of manager of the Parking and Traffic Department including their enforcement personnel. After his retirement, Cy spent many hours together with his wife, Agnes, enjoying horse racing, bingo, going to the casino, woodworking, short trips and family activities. He enjoyed music of all types, especially country music, and reminisced about playing his guitar in the service and afterwards in small bands around Ann Arbor. His humor and jokes will be missed by many, especially his family. A memorial service will be held on April 19, 2017, at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Chelsea, MI with the Rev. Stephen Ezop officiating. The family will receive friends at 12:00 PM with a memorial service following shortly thereafter. Gifts in Cebert's name may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, McNamara Federal Bldg., Room 1233, 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226.