John Earl Hughes

Born in Phoenix to Earl and Veronica Hughes (later Veronica Close), John served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1970, many of those years aboard the USS Constellation. While on leave, he met his future wife, a redhead named Virginia. Concluding his service, he married “Red”, and the two would be together for 50+ years. He had a tremendous sense of humor, and often referred to his wife as his “opponent”.

John supported his family in construction as an equipment operator [Operating Engineers (Local 428)]. John and his brother, Tom, owned and operated EME West Construction in Glendale for nearly two decades. John was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing with anyone willing to tag along, especially with his brothers and sons (often in his 1946 Willys Jeep).

John is remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend.

John is survived by his wife Virginia, sons David and Kenneth (and their wives Kate and Pauline), sisters Carol Reill, Gale Gibson, Rosemary Close, brothers Tom Hughes and Dale Close, and two grandchildren (Cody and Kenna).

No service is planned as a living celebration of life has already occurred.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley or Mule Deer Foundation Arizona.