Donald E. Hughes

Donald E. "Don" Hughes, age 77, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully Monday, June 27, 2022 at the Franciscan Care Center. He was born on February 16, 1945 to Paul and Leona (Gillette) Hughes in Toledo. Don grew up for the first 10 years of his life in the Miami Children's Home with his brothers, then went to live with his mother and other various families. Even with many challenges in Don's life, he became a stellar athlete at Whitmer High School where he graduated in 1964. He excelled in football, basketball and track. Upon graduation, Don entered the adult world where he took on a full time job for 35 years with LOF and attended college until he was drafted. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army. After retirement he worked at the Toledo Hospital in security for ten years.

He remained an avid Kennedy family follower, a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye fan, hardcore Pepsi drinker and CNBC watcher. Don was an animal lover, especially of dogs. He was an avid golfer, card player, runner, photographer, and also made glass clocks for many years. One thing Don was known for was his "train whistle". His smile, spirit and caring nature will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Hughes; and foster son, Matthew Hughes. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 50.5 years, Sally Hughes; sons, Mark (Theresa) Hughes Sr., and Justin Hughes; grandchildren, Keeley, Mark II, and Allie; adoptive son, Brian (Stephanie) Hughes; brothers, William "Bill" (Diane) Hughes, and Paul (Carol) Hughes Jr.; "adoptive brother", Art (Anne) Merrill; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The family will receive guests on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 6960 Sylvania-Petersburg Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI 49267 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in church. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider The James at The Ohio State University.

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