Ronald Wayne Hughes

Ronald Wayne “Papa” Hughes, 92, a 27 year resident of San Jacinto, California, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026. He was born on January 24, 1934, in Lancaster, California, the fifth of nine children, and grew up in Susanville, Pittsburg, Concord, and Clyde.

Ron proudly served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints on the Southwest Indian reservation in Arizona. He later served in the United States Air Force in the 54th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, receiving his honorable discharge in 1962.

On January 7, 1957, Ron married Elinor Ruth VomDorp in the Los Angeles Temple. Together they raised four children and built a family grounded in faith, hard work, and devotion.

A lifelong baker, Ron followed in his father’s footsteps and spent his career perfecting recipes enjoyed by people across the country. After retirement, he earned a baking degree and contributed to well known creations including the famous Red Lobster cheese biscuits, Costco churros and cookies, and cake pops developed for bakeries in China.

He leaves behind a family who adored him, a lifetime of memories that will be cherished, and a legacy defined not by possessions, but by the countless lives he touched.

Ron is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elinor; his children Chuck, Colleen, and Eric; six grandchildren — Nicole, Samantha, Brittany, Kelly, John, and Dakota; and seven great grandchildren — Jason, Haizley, Shurley, Lila Estelle, Georgia, Charlie, and Zayne. He was preceded in death by his daughter Shirley Ann in 2005.

Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the generations he leaves behind.

Visitation will be held at McWane Family Funeral Home, 350 N San Jacinto St., Hemet, CA 92543, US, on October 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Religious Ceremony will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1151 Park Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583, US, on October 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, US, on October 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.