Robert Cecil Hughes, 90 years old, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024.

Robert “Bob” grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, the youngest of five siblings. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served in Hawaii during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Bob attended the University of Missouri.  Before graduating, Bob met and married Mary Irene Doswald. Bob went to work for the government and held various positions over the years, from training to programming. He later earned a master’s degree at Webster University. 

Bob became a beloved father of four and a cherished grandfather. Stories of his life and words of wisdom filled the rooms of family gatherings. He often fondly reminisced about his life. Even in his final days, he recalled meaningful moments and recited old jokes.

Bob was a man of deep faith, knowledge and unshakeable principles. He was a founding member of Mary, Mother of the Church and was actively involved in the church for almost 60 years. Many of his dearest friends were fellow members of the church and he took great solace in his faith and the church community at Mary Mother. 

Bob was an avid traveler who proudly visited every U.S. state. He spent many winters in Cancun and visited 32 countries in his life, including most of western Europe and five continents. His favorite place to visit was Ireland where he traced his family lineage back at least four generations. He shared his passion for traveling with his grandchildren by taking them on many trips to Mexico, Boston, national parks, and major league baseball games throughout their childhoods.

Aside from his family and his faith, Bob’s greatest love was baseball. He could talk baseball stats with the best, and one of his favorite stories to tell was about the time has had dinner with Bob Gibson during spring training. He was also an avid poker player, racquetball player, football enthusiast, reader and lover of Irish whiskey and Budweiser (always in a chilled glass).

Bob loved his family fiercely. He was preceded in death by his first loving wife, Mary Irene Hughes, his parents Thelma and Charles Hughes, his brother Edward, his sisters Betty Collett, Peggy Hughes and Thelma “Tiny” Stegall. Bob is survived by his wife Sandra Hughes, his children Laura Hughes (Diane Muzio), Mickey Hughes (Rex Anderson), Susan Hughes, Joe Hughes, his step-daughter Kim Mason, his grandchildren, Marybeth Lindstrom (Sean), Amanda Rosinbaum, Jake Anderson (Melissa), Maggie Phelps (Joshua), Emily Hughes (Joelle Covers), Zachary Hughes (Jenna), Ben Hughes (Sophia Hemrick), Mike Hughes, Andrew Mason and Nicholas Mason, his great grandchildren, Daphne, Theodore, and Penelope Lindstrom; Owen, Rory and Finley Phelps; and Bradley and Scott Hughes.Bob also had many nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. 

Bob loved and embraced life. He told his children before he passed away that he didn’t have any regrets. His favorite quote was, “if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough,” demonstrating his immense gratitude for life.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of the Church (5901 Kerth Rd. St. Louis, MO 63128) on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:00am. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mary, Mother of the Church or Unbound CFCA Adoption.