Richard Edward Hughes

Richard ("Dick" or "Cotton" or "10-4") E. Hughes passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 16, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife of over forty years, Joyce, and his parents and sister, Gladys, and step-son Bruce. He is survived by his brother Weldon ("Bennie") and sister-in-law June, as well as step-daughters Linda (and Ron) and Vicki, and grandchildren George, Brian, Kristen, Lauren, Patrick, and Barbara. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Dick's family was his great joy. He was well-loved by family and friends - his circle extended to every neighbor and child, who would stop him in his daily walk with his well-loved dog Cody. Everyone got his opinion on the state of the neighborhood or any other topic as only he could give it. Dick was born on October 4, 1927 in Caddo, Oklahoma. He moved to Bakersfield during the Dust Bowl era. He was inducted into the US Army in December of 1945, where he served through his Honorable Discharge in 1947. Dick got his alternate nickname ("10-4") from his birthdate. That name was even more appropriate given his more than thirty years of service driving big-rigs for Beneto Tank Lines from Bakersfield, CA. Beneto honored him with its President's Award upon his retirement, which was presented to him by his brother-truckers. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Alice Moore and Michelle Moncur. Arrangements are through Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary. Viewing will be held at the Mortuary on Monday February 20, 2012 between 2 and 4 pm. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Garden of Peace.