Obituary published on Legacy.com by South Park Funeral Home and Cemetery - Pearland on Feb. 22, 2023.
Darryl Johnson Hughes was born October 28, 1963 in
Pasadena, TX to Robert Howard and Evelyn Lynn (Lovelace) Hughes. He came home from the hospital on Halloween which remained a favorite holiday throughout his life. Darryl peacefully left this world surrounded by his family on February 17, 2023 after a lengthy battle with glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer.
Darryl grew up in
Deer Park, TX where he was the oldest brother to Darren and sister Dawn. He was his siblings biggest fan in all of their endeavors. In his youth, Darryl was a Varsity athlete and club tennis pro. He was always optimistic, easy going and loved simple things in life like playing outdoors, fishing, playing fetch with a beloved dog, and riding anything with wheels. In time, he shared the outdoors with his family and friends by offering a drink and a meal on the patio to watch the sunset and the moon rise. Darryl was never one to turn away a loved one in need of a place to stay or a stranger in need of hot meal.
As he grew into a young man, Darryl began his career in the hospitality industry as a humble server. No task was too menial and no challenge was too great. He had a zest for life, and he was passionate about food, service, and hospitality. He was a born problem solver and made the best of any difficult situation. Darryl rose through the ranks in the industry to manage some of the most sought after dining destinations in the Houston-area.
Darryl's love for the outdoors and passion for the service industry were only surpassed by the love he had for his family. He was frequently found at dances, ball games, tennis matches, concerts, and recitals of all kinds. He taught his kids to play fair, how to fish, and how to give from the heart. But just when he thought he couldn't love his kids anymore, he was blessed with becoming a Paw-Paw, which he loved most of all.
During his courageous cancer battle, Darryl never complained and maintained an unwavering grace. No matter how strong the treatment or how severe the debilitation, he remained selfless in all ways.
Left to cherish the many fond memories his devoted parents Robert and Evelyn Hughes of
Deer Park, TX; brother Darren and sister-in-law Michelle Hughes of Sunset Beach, TX; sister Dawn and brother-in-law Tom Hashagen of
Huffman, TX; loving wife of 25 years, Patricia; daughter Maigen Chastain, son-in-law Joe, granddaughter Kierstyn, and grandson Liam of Marshall, TX; daughter Felicia Burkhardt of
Pearland, TX; son Thomas Johnson Hughes of
Deer Park, TX; daughter Arren Martinez and granddaughter Isabella Alvarado of
Pearland, TX; mother of Maigen and Thomas, Tammy Gallo of
Deer Park, TX; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends and colleagues.
Pall bearers are his brother Darren Hughes; son, Thomas; son-in-law Joe Chastain; brother-in-law Tom Hashagen; nephew, Blaine Hashagen; and cousin Mike Massey.
Visitation will be held at South Park Funeral Home, 1310 N. Main St.,
Pearland, TX, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. with graveside service at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway,
Webster, TX 77598 on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be in made his memory to UT-Southwestern Neuro-oncology Research Department c/o Dr. Zhu, Run for the Rose – Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, or the cancer research organization of your choosing.