Tom Hughes Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Richmond, Virginia

HUGHES, Thomas "Tom" Bassett, 54, of Richmond, won his place in Heaven after a long, courageous and inspiring battle with oral cancer. Tom was born in Richmond on January 25, 1956 at MCV. He worked as a painter for over 12 years for Willard Painting. Tom went to Collegiate Schools from K-12 and received the "13 year award" as a member of the Photography Club, Lambda Sigma Delta and graduated in 1974. He went to New England College in Henniker, N.H. and then later to VCU in Richmond. Tom was an active associate member of both the National and Virginia Chapters of the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He had a passion for fishing and won many family trophies for the largest bass and pike of the season in the Adirondacks. He adored spoiling his dogs and found great comfort in their loving antics. His mother, Joan Leilani Eddy Hughes, preceded him in death. His devoted wife of 25 years and loving caregiver, Jean Knaub Hughes, survives him. He is also survived by his father, Arter F. Hughes of Richmond; brother, C. Mackey Hughes II and his wife, Fiona, of Leesburg; nephews, Andrew and Patrick Durham and Arter F. Hughes II; sister, Anne T. Hughes and her husband, Jesus Avila, of Napa, Calif.; nephew, Robert; and niece, Marley Rudolf; sister, Josephine F. Hughes of Richmond; and niece, Leilani Porter; mother-in-law, Catherine A. Knaub; sister-in-law, Sandra K. Armstrong and her husband, Dr. James O. Armstrong; nieces, Ginger and Shelley; nephew, Ben and wife, Cindy; and great-nephews, Owen and Jacob, all of Chester; brother-in-law, James R. Knaub and his wife, Karen, of Arlington; nephew, Seth; and devoted family friend, Marina Weatherless. A service celebrating Tom's life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER ON WEDNESDAY, THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS 2 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SERVICE ON THURSDAY. In lieu of flowers, Tom asked that you make donations in his name to VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College St., Richmond, Va. 23298, or the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, Va. 23220. Online condolences may be made at: woodyfuneralhome.com.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Hi Jean, I am sorry for your loss and that I did not get to know Tom before he became sick. Remember all the good times you shared.

Hugs

Gene Carr

February 22, 2010 | Richmond, VA

Jean, you are a dear friend, and I'm so very sorry for your loss. Tom was such an inspiration and showed such courage with all he faced. I know he is now with the good Lord and one day you will see him again.

Hugs,

Lillie Smith

February 22, 2010 | Richmond, VA

Heaven has received another angel.

You and Tom fought a long, courageous battle.

I didn't know Tom personally, but felt as if I did, thanks to your updates to everyone about him and his progress...what a great friend and husband Tom was!

Your loving support and positive attitude always amazed me.

God bless you and your family.

HUGS

Angie Stewart

February 21, 2010 | Ashland, VA

Jean, you know I share in your sorrow at the loss of Tom. I knew Tom and you through our memberships in the Virginia Chapter, Eighth Air Force. It is there that I met and socialized together with Tom and you.

Tom was, as everyone in the Chapter could testify, always gracious, smiling and enjoying fellowship with us old WW-II types as well as next generation members at Chapter Luncheons.

I have missed seeing both of you at our meetings. I'm sure if...

Lewis Burke

February 20, 2010 | Centreville, VA

Dear Mackey, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing and I really wish I could have been with you all at the service yesterday. Although I didn't get to know Tom well, it's obvious that he was loved and cherished by many. Please send my love and condolences to your dad, Jean, and your sisters. You all are in my prayers. Love, Mimi (Mimi Greene, Leesburg/Richmond, VA)

February 12, 2010

It was such a nice service and you had planned everything perfectly. Tom is smiling. We love you, Sandy and gang

February 11, 2010

Jean,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love always,
Cindy

Cindy King

February 11, 2010 | Midlothian, VA

Matt and I were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing after his hard fought struggle with cancer. We offer our deepest sympathies. We love you Jean.

Suzanne & Matt Wieringo

Suzanne Wieringo

February 11, 2010 | Richmonc, VA

To Tom's wife Jean and the Hughes/Knaub/Armstrong families I offer my deepest condolences on Tom's passing. Tom was a dear friend of mine who I met through Jean in 1988. Throughout the years he was always kind and generous, and was always there when you needed him. I am so grateful I got a chance to see him for a little visit back in Nov. of 2009. Even though quite ill, his attitude was splendid. Best wishes.

Ken Bunch

February 10, 2010 | Lynchburg, VA

Tom Hughes

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