Thomas Opie Hughes

Tom was the son of Dr. Joseph F. Hughes and Ann Opie Hughes. His middle name "Opie" was named after his maternal grandfather Dr. Eugene Opie, a distinguished pathologist.

Tom was the son of Dr. Joseph F. Hughes and Anne Opie Hughes. Tom grew up in Haverford, Pennsylvania with seven brothers and sisters, Lynne, Jim, Joe, Bill, Sally, John, and David. Tom preferred to be known as the "oldest of the second four children." He was an accomplished athlete running in the Penn relays and was captain of his high school football team.

Tom graduated from Roanoke College with a degree in Chemistry. He obtained his MBA in finance from George Washington University. Tom worked for ExxonMobil for over 45 years. He spent a majority of his career in Human Resources, managing many HR functional areas including compensation and benefits design, expatriate services, policy development, payroll, labor relations, recruiting etc. His deep expertise, analytical skills, and strong work ethic gave him the opportunity to be stationed across the globe. His career took him to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Sakhalin (Russia), Moscow, and finally back to Texas. After he retired from ExxonMobil, Tom consulted with Marine Well Containment company and set up the HR department. He retired at the age of 77.

While playing tennis, Tom met Carolyn. They married and spent 49 wonderful years together. Their journey carried them across the world where they learned about new cultures and religions. Their favorite destination remained Colorado where Tom found great joy in fishing, hiking, and skiing with family. Throughout his life, Tom especially enjoyed spending time with his children traveling, camping, playing and coaching many sports, helping with school assignments, and always emphasizing safety first.

Tom's defining qualities were his humility and honesty. His humility made those around him feel valued and respected. Tom served as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches in New Jersey and Illinois. He was also a Stephen Minister in The Woodlands Presbyterian Church. He prepared faithfully for the "Christ Care" group that he was a part of for many years. Tom was a good listener.

There are many amusing stories about his family adventures. We are so blessed to have shared so many good memories and laughs with him.

Tom is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Carolyn, and five adult children, Deda Young (Don), Anne LeBaume (Scott), Tom Hughes (Misty) and Susan Hughes (Paul), and Lauren Hughes (Dan). Tom was previously married to Adele Nichols.He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Claire Hynek (Matt), Nick Young, Natalie Young, Emily LaBaume, Jonathon LeBaume (Ellie), Meredith LaBaume, Brady Hughes, Dawson Hughes, Anne Watson, Asa Fenter, and Grace Hughes and three great-grandchildren, Campbell, Colton and Griffin Hynek. He is also survived by Dr. David Hughes and Sally Thompson and numerous nieces and nephews. His memorial service will be held at The Woodlands Presbyterian Church, 4881 W. Panther Creek, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 at 11:00 a.m. on March 7th Reception to follow at the Church. Any flowers or cards can be sent directly to The Woodlands Presbyterian Church.

Contributions in his honor may be made to the Woodlands Presbyterian Church, The Young Adult Institute 220 E. 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017, The Anne Opie Hughes Nursing Endowment Fund at the University of Maryland Nursing School, 610 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore , Maryland 21201 in Tom's name.