John Hardy Hughes

John Hardy Hughes, affectionately known as Hardy, went home to be with the Lord on April 14, 2024. He was born on February 11, 1942, to his beloved parents John Bolivar and Katherine Louise Hughes. Hardy's life was a testament to love, family, and adventure.

As a young boy, Hardy served as an altar boy in the Episcopalian church, where he learned the values of devotion and service. Hardy graduated from Houston High School while immersing himself in his passion for building and racing cars. His fascination with both electrical and mechanical technology, combined with his thirst for adventure, led him to enlist in the Navy, where he bravely served aboard the Destroyer USS Southerland. As an Atomic Veteran, he participated in Operation Dominic, also learning welding and honing his skills in this trade.

Following his military service, Hardy married his beloved wife Lillian Gladys on February 18, 1966. They had met on a blind date in Kemah, Texas. Together, they shared a love for music and dancing, which blossomed during their courtship. This developed into Hardy and Gladys singing in church choirs for several years, and at home, with Gladys accompanying on the piano while Hardy stood beside her, singing harmoniously. Hardy also loved singing karaoke and had a beautiful voice, as did his father, who sang in a barbershop quartet during Hardy's childhood. Hardy and Gladys often talked about their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and how proud they were of all of them.

He attended trade school for electronics, further enhancing his knowledge and expertise in the field. Hardy dedicated himself to repairing mechanical calculators, mastering the intricacies of their mechanisms with skill and dedication. Ultimately, his mastery of electronics led him to installing and maintaining large mainframe-based systems for grocery stores across a vast rural service area. Hardy was known for his unwavering dedication to his work, and his expertise was unmatched. There wasn't anything Hardy couldn't fix, and if he wasn't there in person to fix it, he'd be on the phone guiding you through the process.

Hardy was a loving father to his four children: Susan, Micah, Zach, and Daniel. He adored his grandchildren, including Susan and Curtis Oates' children JC and Dalton, Micah and Jessica's children Nick, Joe, and Lilly Rose, and Zach and Leah's children Connor and Azure. The joy of Hardy's life extended to his great-grandchildren, John Liam, Charles Quentin, and Mary Evelyn, born to JC and Stephanie Ann Oates.

Hardy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian Gladys, whose presence illuminated his life with love and companionship. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and cherished memories that will forever be held dear by those who knew him.

In memory of Hardy, let us celebrate a life lived fully and a heart that touched countless others. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.