Robert J Hughes

Robert J. Hughes, 89, of Houston and formerly of Port Townsend and Anacortes, Washington and Sun City Georgetown, Texas, passed away August 22, 2012 after a brief illness. Bob was born March 7, 1923 in Salem, Missouri to the late Anna E. Hughes and Richard B. Hughes. Bob served proudly in the U.S. Air force during WWII as a Crew Chief of a B-25 stationed in Italy. During the war, Bob and his crew flew 35 sorties over bombing targets in Hungary, Germany, Italy, Austria and Yugoslavia. After the war, Bob enjoyed a 40 year career with Shell Oil company, where he toured the world doing promotions with WWII hero Jimmy Doolittle, worked on Shell television and print advertising campaigns, and was a recognized expert in oils and lubricants. After retiring from Shell, Bob and Sylvia shared a life of leisure and travel based in Port Townsend and Anacortes, Washington and Sun City Georgetown, Texas. Bob was predeceased by his parents, loving wives Helen Hughes and Sylvia Jean Hughes, and brother William Hughes. Survivors include sister, Patsy Ruth Burch, sons, David and Richard Hughes, step-daughters, Kathleen Braden and family, Ann Maniha and family, and Mary Margaret Evans and family, and a host of nephew and nieces. Bob is also survived by Ralph Burch, a nephew who was his best friend, companion and regular dinner partner who along with Ann and Mary Margaret regularly shared his company, wisdom and wit. We already miss Bob terribly. Visitation will be 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home with graveside services at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012.