Russell Hughes

HUGHES, MR. RUSSELL MUSKEGON, MI Mr. Russell Gordon Hughes passed away October 29, 2012, eight days after the love of his life, Beverly Ann Hughes, left this earth. Born to Noah and Ida (Zilmer) Hughes July 8, 1916 in Muskegon Michigan. Mr Hughes lived most of his life in Muskegon Heights. Russell enjoyed sailing his homemade ice boat on Mona Lake in his youth, before being drafted into the army during WWII. Serving in the signal corps as a Morse code radio operator, he was stationed in Canada during the construction of the Alaskan highway and later assigned to an intelligence unit in Petaluma, California where he intercepted the Japanese surrender message. Russell always wondered if his intercept reached Washington before the official route through the Swiss Embassy. Mr. Hughes married Beverly Ann Hansen on August 17, 1946. Russell worked as a dental technician for the Mixer dental practice and later as a letter carrier for the Muskegon post office. After retiring from the Postal Service he loved playing golf in area leagues. He was a self-trained handyman staying busy with home additions, making furniture and general repair work of all kinds. He was preceded in death by his wife and grandson, Justin Weatherly. He is survived by four daughters: Carol (Gregory) Ruiter, Jean (Michael) Weatherly, both of Muskegon; Mary (Ronald) Buist of Fremont; and Rhonda (Philip) Cok of Spring Lake; ten grandchildren: Rodney (Maureen) Ruiter, Danielle (Brad) Olson, Jason (Krista) Morris, Melissa (Jack) Allman, Joel (Eric) Morris, Sara (Clark) Mitchell, Anna Weatherly, Mitchell (Amber) Cok, Catherine (Kris) Helphinstine, Meghan (Murilo) Martins; and 19 great grandchildren. Please feel free to sign the on-line guestbook at youngfh.com Memorial Service: A memorial service will be held 11 am Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Central United Methodist Chapel, Rev. Diane Gordon officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Central United Methodist Church columbarium. Memorial contributions may be given to Central United Methodist Church or the Hume Home. The family is being served by Young Funeral Home of Muskegon Michigan. YOUNG 231-722-3873