Robert Clayton Hughes Sr.

He was born and grew up in Los Angeles, but immediately following high school he enlisted in the Air Force because flying would be his passion. Bob is a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman because he was one of the original instructors and has been active in that organization for many years.

While stationed at the Tuskegee Air Base in Alabama, he met a young and beautiful Auburn student named Pat Barnes and fell immediately in love. On one particular outing, Bob let out a well formed belch to which Pat responded, “Do you plan on doing that all your life?”, to which Bob answered, “Would you like to stick around and find out?” And indeed she did for 73 years until Pat’s death in 2017. Their first born, Marcia, came along while still stationed in Tuskegee, and Bob finally got his boy, Bobby, six years later in Vermont.

After 23 years in the service and 14 different assignments, Bob and Pat retired to Florida in 1965. But he wasn’t really ready for retirement - he tried door-to-door sales but loved to talk to people rather than sell. His love became real estate where he never tired of showing newcomers the beauty of this area. He continued his love of flying and even had joint ownership in his own high-wing plane.

Bob and Pat were very active in Lions Club International, serving for many years in the Happy Lions Club in Palm Bay, where Bob was elected as the District D Governor and Florida Council Chair. He was also a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. After moving to Viera in the mid-1990’s, Bob and Pat helped form the Viera Lions Club where they continued to serve for many years.

Bob would help nearly anyone, but don’t ask for a handout. He had no problem telling anyone, especially his kids, that hard work was the only solution - so do something - even if it was wrong!

He is survived by his daughter, Marcia Stern and her boys Randy & Jeff; by his son Bob, Jr. and wife Wendy; his grandson Kyle and granddaughter Shelley Nicholls and husband Wesley; his step-grandsons Cale and Michael and the great grandchildren Gavin, Gage, Ellie, Jayden, and Xavier. Bob Sr's younger brother, Bill, still resides in California.

A memorial service will held at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940 on February 3, 2023 at 11:30 AM with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Robert C. Hughes, Sr. to: The Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Hughes family.