Joe Handy Hughes Jr

Joe Handy Hughes, Jr., 73, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the loving care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Joe was born on April 28, 1949, in Cowpens, South Carolina to Hassie and Joe Handy Hughes, Sr. and became known as his parents’ and sisters’ “Buddy.” He was known as Bud to his family and childhood friends for the rest of his life. Joe’s family moved to Toledo, Ohio when he was seven years old, and he graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1967.

Following graduation, along with many of his childhood friends, Joe was drafted into service during the Vietnam War and honorably served in the United States Army as an intelligence officer in Heidelberg, Germany, despite requesting an assignment to combat in Vietnam. Joe attended the University of Toledo and worked several different jobs before ultimately being hired by the City of Toledo. Joe was a proud union member and served as Vice President of A.F.S.C.M.E. Local 7 for 12 years. He was a staunch Democrat and believed that working people should be treated with dignity and paid appropriately.

Joe loved music, particularly Johnny Cash and CCR. He was a talented musician in his own right who loved playing guitar and singing songs both at home and at local bars for karaoke nights. Joe was passionate about Ohio State Football and never failed to express his eternal pessimism about their success during the game and always urged the coach to play the backup quarterback or running back. All of which amused his friends and family with whom he would gather to watch. The last few years of his life he lived in the Oregon Senior Lofts where he made good friends with whom he enjoyed spending time and playing Yahtzee.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Joleen Hughes, brothers Johnny and Jerry Hughes, sister Patricia Jean Lajiness, wife Cheryl Hughes, and stepson Alan Shepherd. Joe is survived by his son Joshua (Heather) Hughes; daughter Rachel Hughes; and grandchildren Alexis Williams, Mason Williams, Vincent Hughes, Ella Hughes, and Evan Hughes. Also surviving are his sister Delores Ann (Kenneth) Carr, sister-in-law Joan Weil, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 1pm-5pm at the Christ Dunberger Post, 4925 Pickle Rd, Oregon, Ohio 43616.

Preferred Memorial Contributions to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

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