Frank Alvin Hughes

Frank Hughes, a devoted family man, passionate fisherman, and master gardener, passed away peacefully on his 93rd birthday at his home surrounded by his family that loved him dearly. His legendary stubbornness ensuring he held on just long enough to mark the occasion. Frank was born on March 8, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Roscoe Ervin Hughes and Ruby (Burnside) Layton. Frank grew up in Lela, Oklahoma and joined the United States Army in 1954 where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division - Co C 505 Air as a parachuter. Frank worked as a supervisor for an oil and gas plant for most of his working life and retired from the Maintenance and Janitorial department of Ripley Public Schools in 2006.

Born with a strong will and an even bigger heart, Frank spent his life surrounded by the people and things he loved most. Whether casting a line on a quiet morning, tending to his garden with care, sharing stories over a home-cooked meal, or playing cards, dominoes and board games he crafted himself, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures. His family was his greatest pride, and he never missed an opportunity to remind them of his love. When he wasn’t outside, you could find Frank watching Gunsmoke, his all-time favorite show. He admired Marshal Dillon’s grit and the amount of gun battle showdowns he fought. Though those who knew him would argue Frank himself could have fit right in on the frontier with his own brand of quiet strength and determination. Frank’s legacy of love, resilience, and a life well-lived will be carried on by his family, who will forever cherish the wisdom he shared, the memories he made, the laughter he brought, and the unwavering devotion he showed. Though he has cast his last fishing line and tended his final garden, his memory will continue to bloom in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Frank is survived by the love of his life, his wife Anita, his children, Bulinda Terrell of Perkins, Ok, Cynthia Hudson and husband Brady of Ripley, Ok, Deborah Herrmann of Perkins, Ok and son-in-law Marty Reeves of Carnegie, Ok, son Loyd Hughes and daughter Pamela Johnson of Perry, Ok from a previous marriage. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Mercine Hughes, Harry Hughes, Margaret Graham and Robert Layton, Mary Ellen Hughes, his daughter, Tamara Reeves and his granddaughter Amanda Reeves, and son-in-law C.W. Terrell.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Dighton Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater from 9:00am to 8:00pm.

 Rest easy, Frank—you made it to 93, just like you said you would. We love you a whole world full!