Lowell Hughes

HUGHES, LOWELL B.-  Lowell B. Hughes a proud member of ‘The Greatest Generation" passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the age of 100 at home.

Lowell was born October 12, 1919 in Poteau, Oklahoma to James Williams Hughes and Jennie Burnes.

He served in the 45th Infantry Division 120th Combat Engineers from Jan.1941 until the war ended in 1945.He saw 541 days of combat in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He was awarded the bronze star for bravery, and many military recognitions for combat action. After his discharge Lowell returned to Roswell and started Hughes Electric Co., which he operated for the next 25 years.

One of Lowell's many passions was collecting classic cars. He was an active member of the Roswell Classic Car Club and the Mustang Owners of America. He made his last road trip with the club at age 99 with fellow club members and several friends Lowell was honored as the oldest Mustang owner attending. The ceremony was on the docked aircraft carrier USS Lexington in Corpus Christi.

Lowell was a generous supporter of various charities the Honor Flight Program and the Roswell Historical Society. He was preceded in death by two wives each of whom he was married to for 30 years. Ann Hughes in 1979 and Chris Hughes in 2013. He is survived by three nephews Bob Barnes and wife Jeannie of Las Cruces. Kelly Hughes and wife Helen of Monroe OK. Tom Hughes and wife Tita of Wilburton, OK. Three nieces Tywilla Keyes and Conrad from Las Cruces. Darla Lynn Taylor and Ronald. Sandra Clevenger and Jack from Las Cruces. Lowell also had several Great Nephews and Nieces.

A special Thank you to Lowell's caregivers and very special longtime friends Tony Robles and Gladys Montanez.

Services will be held 11:00 am, Friday, June 19, 2020 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Rev. Steve Hughes will be officiating.  Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by United States Army and Roswell Veterans Honor Guard.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kelly Hughes, Tom Hughes, Bob Barnes, Tim Hughes, Tony Robles, and Steve Hughes.

A Soldier Reports to God

A soldier stood and faced his God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just a brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now you soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To my Church have you been true?”

The soldier squared his shoulders,

And said “No Lord, I guess I ain’t,

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can’t always be a saint,

I’ve had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I’ve been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough,

But I’ve never took a penny,

That wasn’t mine to keep…

Though I’ve worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills just got too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I’ve wept unmanly tears,

I know I don’t deserve a place,

Among the people here,

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here Lord,

It needn’t be so grand,

I’ve never had that much in life,

So if you don’t I’ll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod,

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now you soldier,

You’ve borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on heaven’s streets,

You’ve done your time in Hell.”