John Christopher Hughes' Obituary
John Christopher Hughes passed December 18, 2024. Born December 21, 1956 in Platte City, MO to Georgia and Francis L Hughes. John was 1 of 5 boys in their Kansas City, MO home - Bill, David, Mark, John and Eric. It goes without saying, the home was full of stories and adventures that one can imagine with all boys. In 2008 he moved to Collierville, TN where he lived until his passing.
John attended Park Hill High School (‘75) in Kansas City, MO. He loved his sports having played football in both high school and at Sterling College in Sterling KS.
Anyone who knew John, was well aware he was a devoted fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and when they were playing, that is where he would be.
His faith and love for our Heavenly Father was deep within his soul. John loved to sing and many years he sung bass in the gospel band
Dan Stewart and the Mid-Statesmen and then with The McCartney’s. There is no doubt, Heaven has gained another beautiful voice in the heavenly choir.
Throughout his life he was a man of many trades and business adventures. They include working in the food and beverage industry, the hotel industry and a carpentry and flooring installation business. He also worked for The Kansas City Star and Times as a Press Operator and most recently retired from retail, having been in management with Walmart and Lowe’s for over 26 years.
Everyone that worked with him had a great deal of love and respect for him. There was always a big smile on his face and an infectious laugh that many knew could only come from him.
John met the love of his life in 1998, Pamela Sutton Lay and they married in 2008. He loved to say it took a while to straighten Pam out, but she will say it took many years to re-train him. Always a jokester, their home was full of love and laughter. He loved his blended family that included four daughters - Kelly, Joanna, Kristy and Paige. Add four sons-in-law, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren—family was his everything.
John is reunited in heaven with his parents, Frances L. Hughes (1998) and Georgia Kelley O‘Day(2023); brothers Mark Hughes (1954) and David Hughes (2021); Bonus Dad Lawrence O’Day (2004).
He is survived by his brothers William (Marilyn) Hughes of Excelsior Springs, MO and Eric Hughes of Phoenix, AZ; his children Kelly (Joe) Vann of Killeen, TX, Joanna (Robbie) McDaniel of Kansas City, MO, Kristy (David) Burrus of Collierville, TN and Paige (James)Cassaday of Peculiar, MO, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
On December 18, 2024 John passed peacefully in his home with his family by his side. He had a huge heart and a kindness that he gave freely to everyone he met. Now, he will be wrapping his angel wings around each of us from above.
He will be greatly missed and we are comforted in knowing that he is reunited with the loved ones who passed before him.
Family graveside burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to West Cancer Treatment Center, Germantown, TN.
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