Leon Oliver Hughes

12/18/1922 - 03/07/2015

Leon Oliver Hughes, 92, went to be with his Lord on March 7, 2015, in Bakersfield. He was a beloved husband and father, a man of honor, respected and admired by all who knew him.
Born in Ada, Oklahoma, on December 18, 1922, he was one of seven children born to Robert and Lela Hughes. Moving to Kern County as a young teen, during the Dust Bowl, he was always a hard worker.
During WWII, he served his country, joining the U.S. Army with the 197th Airborne. He served, and was wounded, in the Pacific Theatre, including Luzon, New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Discharged in1946, he returned home and quickly fell in love with a young lady, Mary Jane Wise, who would become his wife and life partner for over 68 years. He was a devoted family man who loved fishing, camping, and boating. He had a green thumb, growing outstanding oranges. He and Mary traveled all over the U.S., going to Hawaii for their 50th Anniversary.
Leon loved children and enjoyed his profession as a school bus driver for over 35 years, retiring from Fruitvale School. He was a member of Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church, where he served as an usher for many years.
Leon is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane Hughes; son, Robert Hughes and wife, Sandy; daughters, Barbara Wood and husband, Jerry, and Eva Hebebrand and husband, David; grandchildren, Jerry Wood II and Sandy, Crystal Wood, Brian Hughes and Londi, Aaron Hughes and Megan, Duane Hebebrand and Stephanie, and Cory Hebebrand; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Jack, Shelby, Isabella, Carter and Kimber; and great-great grandchild, Logan. He is also survived by sisters, Pauline Thompson, Geraldine and Lindsay Post, and Imogene and Allen Barrett, being predeceased by brothers, Otis, Olen, and Bob Hughes. Leon's sense of humor and smile will be greatly missed!
Viewing will be Thursday, March 12th, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13th, at Greenlawn Funeral Home on River Boulevard, with interment to follow immediately. Wood Family Funeral Service, Tehachapi, handled the arrangements.
Wood Family Funeral Services, Inc.