Robert Lewis Hughlette

Bob had many chapters to his life, beginning with his birth on May 8, 1946, as the third child and only son of Glen D. Hughlette and Helen K. (Soffa) Hughlette, in the Oak Park suburb of Chicago. As a youngster he attended St. Catherine of Siena; then Sacred Heart School, and finally St. Mel High School. While in 8th grade he surprised Sister Mary Celeste when he signed his spelling test, "St. Robert Hughlette". She teasingly responded to his error or sense of humor, "Really? I'm happy to meet you."

In March of 1966 he left his job at Montgomery Ward to join the U.S. Marine Corps. After extensive mental and physical training at MCRD San Diego, California, he earned the proud title of, United States Marine. Soon he was with his 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment in South Viet Nam. On December 12th, not far from DaNang, he and his buddy, Don Olson, were point men on patrol ahead of their unit when they came under sniper fire. Over 30 rounds were fired at them from 35 feet away and both were wounded. The unit rushed in to protect and rescue their fellow Marines. Bob was airlifted back to the U.S., finally arriving at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. He often remarked that his wound dressings had not been changed during the six days of travel, but he was glad to be alive.

Bob went on to marry Marilyn Sherman and they moved to Texas where he found employment as a letter carrier with the U.S. Post Office. Eventually, four adorable children would fill their lives. Now, as adults, they recall wonderful childhood memories of their dad: taking them to church, Sunday school, first communion and Lebanese festivals; attending their music lessons and recitals; gentle moments of brushing out wet hair and reading bedtime stories; sharing the comics while he read the Sunday paper, doing crossword puzzles and sudoku together and his love for the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Nieces and nephews were also attended to with great affection by Uncle Bob.

When his first marriage came to an end, Bob was unsure of what his future might hold. That would soon become clear as he and fellow letter carrier, Gail Davis, became friends through their similar childhoods, military backgrounds, and beliefs. In the autumn of 1995 Bob and Gail wed. Joining the new family were her two daughters, Adrienne and Heather Davis. Holidays and gatherings were a joy with lots of food, children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren. Although a later marriage, Bob and Gail were a team; their relationship was built on love, respect, trust, mutual support, and thankfully one had the patience of a saint!

Grandpa Bob enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. His big wide smile, humor and fun ways won over the hearts of all the children he met. He was an avid reader, followed politics closely, had a quick wit and enjoyed having a beer, chatting with neighbors and friends; and reconnecting with fellow Marines.

Four years after marrying Gail, Bob was diagnosed with COPD, a progressive pulmonary illness brought on by cigarette smoking. Over many years it caused numerous trips to the ER and hospitalizations as it slowly robbed him of his ability to breathe and to do the physical things he once enjoyed such as traveling, hiking, walking through parks or even sitting outdoors in his front yard patio. His last days were spent at his beloved home, profusely expressing his happiness to be in his cozy family room, surrounded by books and family photos, and most of all by the love of his life, Gail.

Bob was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Susan Halverstadt; mother Helen Hughlette; father Glen D. Hughlette; nephews John and Patrick Campbell; and brother-in-law, James Lynch.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Gail Hughlette; daughters Cynthia and Amanda Hughlette; son James Hughlette; stepdaughters, Adrienne and Heather Davis; sisters Glenellen Campbell and Mary Beth Lynch; his niece Helen Campbell (Jerry) Trueblood, and nephews, Edward (Tricia) Campbell Jr.; Michael (Janet) Lynch, Mark (Karen) Lynch; Matt (Juli) Lynch, and James (Natalie) Lynch Jr., and niece Jennifer (Scott) Reiley; his grandchildren Tobias and Sarah Halverstadt, Savannah Laue, Lauren and Isabel Cuellar, Henry Hunter March, Luke Bedwell, Brody Proud, Charlotte and Kobe Allen and great granddaughter, Myla Adamo.

I would like to give a special thank you to the many SAMMC doctors and staff who cared for Bob over those 23 years. Especially his pulmonary doctor, Dr. Jackie Hayes and his staff; Dr. Liu, Dr. Linfoot, and Dr. Chacko who frantically worked to set up hospice at home; Dr. Radwich who endured; PCP Dr. Ellis-Garris, and LVN Tony Hernandez; Christus VNA Hospice nurses, Beverly Tuomala, and Christine Pelfrey who guided me through to the end; and all the nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and medical staff unnamed but appreciated over many years.

Visitation for family will be from 11:00-12:00 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Porter Loring Mortuary.Public visitation and reception will be from 12:00-1:00 to p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

GRAVESIDE SERVICEFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 20221:30 P.M.FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH ROADFamily friend, the Reverend, Bryon Richardson, will share a few words and prayer

Flowers or donations to charities are both fine. Bob loved the National Parks Foundation and Texas Public Radio https://support.tpr.org/a/donate, please feel free to make any choice you prefer.

Please click here to view a memorial video for Bob.