Wade E Hughes

Wade E. Hughes - 1945-2025

Wade Hughes passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at his home In Norman, OK, at the age of 79. He was born in Eufaula AL to Sam and Nellie Hughes and had 4 brothers and a sister.

Wade lived in Georgia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Mexico before arriving in Oklahoma City in 1989.

He graduated from Bass High School in Atlanta, GA in1965, where he played basketball and football, and went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1966-1968 on the USS Boxer. Wade received his bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1972 and his MBA from Western New England University in 1976.

In 1973 he started working for Digital Equipment Corporation in Springfield, MA, as a purchasing Agent before moving to Albuquerque, NM, as a Project Manager. In 1988 he became Sales Manager for Digital Equipment working with the federal government.

Wade was transferred to Oklahoma City, OK, in 1989. On his way there he met his future wife, Gail Sterr, on an American Airlines flight. They were married on June 23, 1990, and thoroughly enjoyed 35 years together. Gail will always remember him as the sweetest, kindest man she had ever met and loved him with all her heart.

In 1995, Wade started his own business, Hughes Meetings and Incentives. He created and handled corporate incentive group trips until 2025. He later added to that HMI Promos, selling promotional products. He worked longest with Hank Kraft with Hal Smith Restaurants and they traveled annually all over Mexico and some US locations.

Wade enjoyed golf, poker, parties, reading, 2-stepping, his many friends and occasionally a good Scotch and cigar. He and Gail traveled the world and learned so much together. Among the places they visited were China, Thailand, Hong Kong, U.K., Danube River cruise, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece (sailboat through the islands), Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hawaii, and many Mexico beaches, playing golf wherever they could. They also went on countless cruises.

Wade is survived by his wife, Gail Hughes, of the home, son Jeff Hughes of Telluride, Co., stepson Matt Sterr (father of Harper and Declan Sterr) and stepdaughter Julia Sterr, partner of Jeff Cooper (mother/father of Mason Cooper Sterr) of Norman, OK, a brother Carey with wife Linda, sister Nell Roberts, and numerous nieces and nephews, all from the Atlanta area. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Marlin, Larry and Randy, also from the Atlanta area.



A celebration of life will be held at a later date.