of Maumelle, AR
February 10, 1939 - November 18, 2025
Howard D. Hughes, (that'd be me), met my demise and embarked on that perpetual journey of the afterlife on November 18, 2025. I had to come up with that because Dottie nixed ''croaked, bought the farm, and bit the dust'' as she thought it had too many ''C's, corny, classless, crude, and country!" Well, as a country boy thru and thru, I thought it fit the narrative and conveyed the message adequately. I am beyond sad and am blinded by tears as I write but I had penned this before Dottie went home to God and she had already reviewed it, and for me, being my easygoing, go-along-to-get-along, compromising self, it was easy to honor her request. RIP, Sweetheart.
After much deliberation, I decided to write my own final notice. After all, I am the resident expert on me, and if I need any advice, I usually ask myself anyway as I know me better than anyone else. I also didn't want to burden my loved ones with having to come up with all those nice things to say about me, even though I know they would be sincere and heartfelt. Another reason is that just in case they couldn't come up with anything. I didn't exactly go out in a blaze of glory, but I did go out like I came in, naked with nothing, materially speaking. I did leave, however, with an abundance of wealth in terms of a loving family and many friends. And what more could anyone want than the hope to return to him who gave us life to begin with? My prayer is to reunite with loved ones gone before and to be there to greet those who follow. I'll have the cornbread ready!
Those gone on ahead are my parents, Doyle and Odell Hughes of Delight, all my grandparents and my two dear younger brothers, Randy and Kenny (I can't wait to play ''peck the peanut'' with them again!) and my nephew, Toby Hughes. At this writing, Dottie returned to God just one month prior to our sixty-eighth wedding anniversary which would have been May 17, 2025. She was always with me and supported me in every move I needed to make through thick and thin times, and believe me, there were some thin ones, but guess what? We always emerged better for it! I thank God every day for you.
Left behind to enjoy God's creation are daughter, Kim (Richard) McClain of Conway; son, Mitch (Cindy) Hughes of Ft. Smith; sister, Carolyn Holmes of Hot Springs; sister-in-law, Karan Hughes of Maumelle and four awesome grandsons, Landon (Breckenn), Alex, Connor and Brennen (Bree). Also, practice niece, Missy Masterson-Hale; special nieces, Jana, Jamie, Gina, Karen, Toni, Teri, Tammy, Tonya and nephews, Hayden and Jade. Also left are five precious great grand-children, Wren, Lyla, Miller, Paislee and Gannon. As the song goes, ''Let me see my children grow to see what they become'', which He has, for which I am eternally grateful and profoundly proud of them.
I was born in the SW Arkansas town of Delight on February 10, 1939 to Doyle and Odell Hughes. With after-effects of the Great Depression and WWII looming, times were hard, but folks were tough and learned to adapt. I am grateful for the lessons I learned during those times which I have endured throughout my lifetime.
In the interest of not overcrowding the cemeteries, I have decided on cremation for my remains. I am convinced that since God put me together once, a second time will be a mere tap-in. Besides, I'm like the big John Coffey of the Green Mile, ''I'm scared of the dark'' and I'd rather be scattered than scared. Just kidding.
I won't attempt to blow any smoke about what I did or didn't accomplish in life since none of that really matters. What really matters are the impressions I've made and the influences I've had on others which I hope were positive and good. I pray for that to be my legacy. I have few regrets in life but one would be that I didn't help folks in need as much as I could and should have. I hope God will forgive me for that.
I have dragged this out about long enough, but would add that if one is so inclined, I would be grateful and honored if a donation could be made to Morrilton Children's Home, Arkansas Children's Hospital or St. Jude Research Hospital. They are all dear to me. And with that, I'll end this tune.
A visitation will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home with a memorial service beginning at 2:00pm with Nick Hamilton officiating.
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36 Condolence(s)
David Phillips
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
What a fitting obituary to a great guy
He and Dottie were special people
I always enjoyed being with them
My condolences and prayers for this family
Shanna Hathaway
Sunday, November 23, 2025
I didn’t have the privilege of knowing this man but I can tell I sincerely missed out! I stumbled across his obituary reading another. What an amazing sense of humor! I know he will be deeply missed.
Alice Baldwin (Coker)
Sunday, November 23, 2025
What an “Awesome” obituary!!! It sounds so much like the memories I have of you when I was lucky to have been around you! I wish our families could have lived closer together
all these many years. I know we would have benefited so much by having more time around all of you. My Condolences to ALL of the Hughes family and ALL of the Cokers who have suffered such a loss of Howard & Dottie.
I Love ALL of you so much. Of course we all
Know the Sweet Hearts are together again!!!
🙏🏻🌺❤️🙏🏻❤️🌺
Kathy Goodson
Sunday, November 23, 2025
What a wonderful obituary! It was an honor and a pleasure to know this very special man. He will be missed by so many. May he be at peace now with his sweet Dottie.
Pete and Jana Ardoin
Sunday, November 23, 2025
To you Howard,
We have really nice conversations with you and Dottie. So warm hearted and enlightening. And to your family we send our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Pete and Jana Ardoin
Rex Ferry
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Rest in Peace my friend, I know your favorite song we heard you sing many times “ Lonesome Tonight “ but you’re not with Dottie at your side!
Stephanie and Jeff Martin
Sunday, November 23, 2025
You will be missed but not forgotten Howard. You and Dottie will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Thank you for being you. Prayers for strength and comfort.
Coy Rush
Sunday, November 23, 2025
I never met you or saw you. But for one short school year best friend was your brother Kenny a great basketball player and card player we never lost playing hearts and he was a close friend whom I never forgot even after being an attorney for 50 years.
Tanji Canada
Saturday, November 22, 2025
I’m be had the honor and privilege of serving and caring for Mr. Howard through Hospice Homecare. I was his Chaplain. I enjoyed his sense of humor, smile, and fellowship. He will be truly missed. I thank God for allowing me to visit and pray for him. My condolences and prayers for all the family.
Cindy
Friday, November 21, 2025
You are such a smart man, but more than that you were a determined man. I appreciate that so much because I've witnessed the positive influence in my husband (Mitch) and my beautiful sis (Kim). They are driven and have made great choices. Your love story with precious Dottie always amazed me too. I knew that I wanted to be apart of all the love your family had to share from our first introduction! Thank you for all those that you touched~I know they too are grateful! Much love, Cindy
Christine Brunk
Friday, November 21, 2025
I didn't know Mr Hughes but after reading his obituary and watching his slide show I feel like I am apart of your family.
So much love you can tell and look at Dottie... You can tell they were Sweethearts and Soul mates.
I pray for your family all the little one will miss him so too.
You can see the love he has for them.
God bless you all. Praying for you. God is so good.
What a life.
Bill Tucker
Friday, November 21, 2025
I didn't know Mr. Hughes but his obituary make me wish I had. That's the best self-written obit I've ever seen. Might have to try that myself one of these days (but hopefully not too soon). My condolences to his family. I bet he left a great big hole in all your lives.
Felix cates
Friday, November 21, 2025
Like some of the others said in their comment I didn’t know howard but I thought it was a wonderful self written obituary and inspired me to do the same thing
George Toombs
Friday, November 21, 2025
Rest in peace my friend. I hope there is golf in heaven and that have chance to play together again. God bless…
Margaret Glasgow
Friday, November 21, 2025
I did not know this man, but I was moved to read his self-penned obituary. I am blessed to have read his sweet words reflective of an honest man’s life. My condolences to all who will miss him forever.
Joan and Paul Noesser
Friday, November 21, 2025
So enjoyed our years knowing your wonderful family (especially working with Randy and Kenny).
Loved the life memories in obituary. So clever. Prayers for all.
Margie Brazelton
Friday, November 21, 2025
Kim, your mama and daddy were such wonderful people. I always loved them and they did a great job with you and Mitch. Carrying your family gently in my heart…
Gina Bonacci-Colman
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I am sorry to the Hughes family for the loss of a wonderful man!! Uncle Howard, I hope you will be reunited with Uncle Randy and my (biological) Dad Ken. I also hope that you get to meet my (adopted) Dad Pete. He was a member of The Church of Christ for many years so I know the 4 of you will have a LOT to talk about. Just try not to get yourselves in too much trouble. My biggest regret is not spending more time with the Hughes family and getting to know y'all better! For that I hope you can forgive me. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. You have a very special family! Rest peacefully, Love Gina 💜
Don and Pat Hudak
Thursday, November 20, 2025
What a wonderful guy and super friend of our family. He is now with his soul mate Dottie and little friend Benji. Peace be with his family.
Cheryl Hudson
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Mr. Howard, was friends with him and Dottie for 14 years. They were my extended family in so many ways. So kind hearted and don’t forget his jokes. Always had one for us. This was the best obituary I have ever read but,,,, leave it to Howard . Love to all the family
Charlene and Kairus
Thursday, November 20, 2025
This is one of the most beautiful obituaries I’ve ever read. Aunt Kim, my heart is with you (and your family) as you navigate the loss of your dad, especially so soon after your mom. Sending you big hugs and lots of love from afar. 🤍
Teresa Newton-Terres
Thursday, November 20, 2025
RIP ... No greater man, Howard, and his beauty, Dottie. My sincere condolences!
Ron Autrey
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Rest in Peace old friend. Thank you for your departed words…
Maria Swicegood
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I’m am so sorry for your loss! Your dad was such a sweet man! His obituary was perfect.
I know he and your mom are dancing with no pain in heaven.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
David Hardt
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Jesus said" I go to prepare a place for you" I'm guessing Howard and Dottie got a pretty special one.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant"
Chester and Cindy Leonard
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Always the gentleman and one of the most intelligent men I have ever known.
Condolences to Mitch and Cindy , Kim and Richard and all of the Hughes family.
RIP Howard you were very special to everyone who knew you.
Tony Newman
Thursday, November 20, 2025
He was a great guy with much integrity. He’ll be missed by all who knew him.
Lisa Hocutt
Thursday, November 20, 2025
To the Hughes Family,
Your precious dad was one of a kind! His obituary is truly priceless. What a legacy he has left for you all to carry on.
My thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Sue VanHooser
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Howard and Dottie were the best friends any one could ever have.My love and prayers for Kim and Mitch. Wish I could be there with you.
Lisa Hocutt
Thursday, November 20, 2025
To the Hughes Family,
Your precious dad was one of a kind! His obituary is truly priceless. What a legacy he has left for you all to carry on.
My thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Gail and Ann Matthews
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Prayers to Family Ponders will miss you He was such a kind and lovable person All of MCc with miss him The Obit was him truly God Bless You’ll Rest In Peace Howard
Harvey Piazza
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I didn't know Howard but after reading this beautiful obituary I wish I had. My condolences to his family.
Missy Branum
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Kim and Mitch, my heart hurts for you and your families. I cannot be there Sunday, but know that Richard and I will be thinking of you. I pray you find peace and comfort in knowing where your parents are and that they are together forever. You will see them again!❤️
Much love,
Missy
Julia Matthews Washburn
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I love that he wrote this! I am so sorry for you all- He was so sweet to us- hugs and prayers- I will be out of town for the service but you all will be in our prayers!
Regina Mason
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Dear Howard! How you will be missed! You were good and honest and kind. And yes…so much fun! Thank you for being Howard. We pray for those you left behind.❤️
Sandra and Tim Watterson
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I will miss our long talks when I came to visit. Thank you for calling us while we were in Florida. I will always wonder if that was your goodbyes. You 2 meant the world to me. You have raised 2 wonderful children that will carry on with care and grace to all that know them. Be at peace now with Dottie. Give her a hug for me. Either much love!