John "Lee" Hughes

John Leo "Lee" Hughes lll passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on February 21, 2025, in Villisca, Iowa. Born on August 20, 1953, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Lee was a beacon of kindness and humor to all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, and a friend to many.
Lee Hughes graduated from Shenandoah High School, where he played baseball and enjoyed all sports while working part-time at KMA with great passion. His love for broadcasting led him to attend a trade school, where he honed his skills that would later complement his career pursuits. Lee's voice became a familiar and comforting presence to many as a sports broadcaster with KMA, where he worked for 25 years, sharing his love for the game with his listeners. His ability to communicate and connect with people shone through his work.
After his tenure in broadcasting, Lee continued to employ his gift of talk and deep concern for others in his role as a Corrections Officer and Negotiator for the Clarinda Correctional Facility. He was known for his selflessness and his innate ability to defuse difficult situations with a blend of humor and respect.
Lee met the love of his life, Deborah, and they were united in marriage on June 22, 2011, at the scenic Nodaway Valley Park. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and mutual support. Lee was a proud father to his daughters, Angela and Patricia, from a previous marriage.
Family and faith were central to Lee's life. He was a faithful Catholic, living his beliefs through his actions and imbuing his everyday encounters with kindness. His early years fishing with his father instilled a love for the sport and the virtue of patience that he carried through all aspects of his life. Lee's home was his sanctuary, and he cherished the moments spent with his family above all else.
Those who had the pleasure of knowing Lee experienced his great sense of humor first-hand. He had a talent for teasing in the gentlest of ways, bringing smiles to faces even on the toughest days. His manners were impeccable, and he took joy in assisting the elderly in his community, always willing to lend a hand or share a kind word.
Selfless, faith-filled, and kind – these words encapsulate the essence of Lee Hughes. He worried about everyone else above himself, yet he did so with a lightness that lifted the spirits of those around him.
John Leo "Lee" Hughes Jr. lived a life full of love, laughter, and grace. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught us, the joy he spread, and the peace he brought to every room will endure. Rest in peace, dear Lee. Your spirit lives on in the countless hearts you've touched.
He is preceded in death by his parents John ll and Phyllis (Maca) Hughes, brother Matthew Hughes; sisters, Debbie Edwards, Paula Sanders, and Geralyn Kester and niece Maylissa Kester.
Lee is survived by his wife Debbie, his children Angela (Dave) Giancola, and Patricia (Chris) Higgins; grandchildren, Gianna, Layla, and Dominic Giancola and Hannah, Alivia, Samuel and Jessa Higgins; sisters, Linda (Wayne) Reed, Nancy (Jim) Ehlers, and Monica (Garry) Steffen, brothers, Chris (Cindy) Hughes, Bruce (Peggy) Hughes and Bartholomew Hughes, along with many other family members and friends.
In remembering Lee, we are reminded of the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Lee made everyone feel valued, and his legacy of warmth and generosity will be felt for generations to come.