Tom Hughes

HUGHES, Thomas "Tom" Bassett, 54, of Richmond, won his place in Heaven after a long, courageous and inspiring battle with oral cancer. Tom was born in Richmond on January 25, 1956 at MCV. He worked as a painter for over 12 years for Willard Painting. Tom went to Collegiate Schools from K-12 and received the "13 year award" as a member of the Photography Club, Lambda Sigma Delta and graduated in 1974. He went to New England College in Henniker, N.H. and then later to VCU in Richmond. Tom was an active associate member of both the National and Virginia Chapters of the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He had a passion for fishing and won many family trophies for the largest bass and pike of the season in the Adirondacks. He adored spoiling his dogs and found great comfort in their loving antics. His mother, Joan Leilani Eddy Hughes, preceded him in death. His devoted wife of 25 years and loving caregiver, Jean Knaub Hughes, survives him. He is also survived by his father, Arter F. Hughes of Richmond; brother, C. Mackey Hughes II and his wife, Fiona, of Leesburg; nephews, Andrew and Patrick Durham and Arter F. Hughes II; sister, Anne T. Hughes and her husband, Jesus Avila, of Napa, Calif.; nephew, Robert; and niece, Marley Rudolf; sister, Josephine F. Hughes of Richmond; and niece, Leilani Porter; mother-in-law, Catherine A. Knaub; sister-in-law, Sandra K. Armstrong and her husband, Dr. James O. Armstrong; nieces, Ginger and Shelley; nephew, Ben and wife, Cindy; and great-nephews, Owen and Jacob, all of Chester; brother-in-law, James R. Knaub and his wife, Karen, of Arlington; nephew, Seth; and devoted family friend, Marina Weatherless. A service celebrating Tom's life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER ON WEDNESDAY, THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS 2 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SERVICE ON THURSDAY. In lieu of flowers, Tom asked that you make donations in his name to VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College St., Richmond, Va. 23298, or the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, Va. 23220. Online condolences may be made at: woodyfuneralhome.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.