Bernard "Benny" Hughes

Bernard (Benny) Hughes, 93, went to be with the Lord on Mon., April 6, 2020 after a long illness. He was born in Rothesay Isle of Bute, Scotland on April 29, 1926. He served with the Gordon Highlanders 6th Battalion Infantry during World War II. He and his wife, Ina immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he worked in an iron ore mine in Atikokan, Canada. After a few years, they immigrated to the United States and settled in Oklahoma City. He and Ina became naturalized citizens of the U.S. on July 4, 1993. Benny was one of the original referees of soccer in OKC, long before soccer was a popular U.S. sport. He refereed games for Casady High School and some college games well into his 60’s. As he got older, he began refereeing into the pee wee leagues. Benny worked at Bendix Corporation and, after retirement, went to work at Lake Park Elementary School (Putnam City) as their grounds-keeper. Benny’s passion and love was for the country, music and heritage he left. He joined two different Scottish pipe bands as a way to show his love for his beloved Scotland. For more than 60 years, he participated in two different Scottish pipe bands (“The Highlanders” and the “Oklahoma Scottish Pipe and Drums” as their Drum Major). Benny was preceded in death by his wife (Ina) of more than 50 yrs. and his parents. He is survived by his brother, Bill Hughes of TN. He is also survived by his son Benny (Debbie), son Tommy, granddaughter Heather Darnell, great-grandsons Drake & Damian and great-granddaughter Dara Darnell. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews that reside in the U.K. A private graveside service will be held at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may leave condolences at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com