Edward H. "Paw Paw Ed" Hughes

1928 - 2024

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8. Edward H. "Paw Paw Ed" Hughes, 95, of Slaughter, LA, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the home of his daughter after being visited for several days by those he loved and loved him. Paw Paw Ed, as he was affectionately known by all that knew him, was born on November 18, 1928, and grew up in Kentwood, LA. He was the middle and only surviving child of Elmer and Fannie Mae Alford Hughes. His siblings were Eugene and Aubrey Hughes, Francis Frazier, Clara Dell McClendon, and Barbara Thomason. He served his country during WWII and the Korean War with the US Navy. In October of 1950 he married his wife, Barbara Wall, and they had six children. In 1957, Ed moved his family to Slaughter and established Hughes Garage, which later evolved into Hughes Texaco. During the gasoline shortage of the 1970's, Ed and Barbara converted the service station into a convenience store that offered gasoline, groceries, fried chicken, and his renowned homemade hamburgers. It was during this time, at the request of one his grandchildren, the named changed to Paw Paw's Store. He worked tirelessly in this business every day for 60 years until 2017, leaving a lasting impact on his community. He also made time to serve his community for over 25 years as Mayor of Slaughter. He was a member and former deacon of Slaughter First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; wife, Barbara Hughes; daughter, Gloria Faith Hughes; son, Ricky Hughes; grandson, Dustin Adams; and daughter in law, Jackie Hughes. He is survived by his two sons, Don Ed Hughes and Keith Hughes (Dana); 2 daughters, Debbie Darsey (Mike) and Stacy Welch (Walter Leonard); grandchildren, Ashley Morris, Corey Freeman, Brad Hughes, David Hughes, Krysten Darsey, Ed Hughes, Kemp Darsey, Wesley Adams, Dillon Hughes, and Angel Louis; 26 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. The family would like to thank The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their exemplary care, especially his nurse Melanie and his aide Cierra. Visitation will be held at Slaughter First Baptist on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 9 AM to 11 AM, followed by religious services at 11 AM conducted by Rev. Basil Wicker. Interment immediately follows at Alford Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Corey Freeman, Brad Hughes, David Hughes, Ed Hughes, Kemp Darsey, Wesley Adams, and Dillon Hughes. Memorial donations can be made to the Slaughter First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 359, Slaughter, LA 70777. Share sympathies, memories, and condolences at www.CharletFuneralHome.com.