Errol "Pete" Ardith Hughes Jr.

Errol "Pete" Ardith Hughes, Jr., 86, of Conroe, Texas, passed away on August 9, 2026. Born in Beaumont, Texas on November 13, 1939, Errol was the son of Errol Ardith Hughes, Sr. and Margaret (Walker) Hughes.

Through the years, Pete lived with a steady, kind-hearted way of being—someone who didn’t need to make life complicated to make it meaningful. There was a simple goodness in how he carried himself, and a warm sense of humor that could lighten a room without ever asking to be the center of it.

Pete served his country first in the Navy for a few years, and then in the Air Force, bringing dedication and quiet resolve to each chapter of service.

He was a dedicated engineer who spent 28 years at NASA, where his expertise and commitment earned him numerous awards for his contributions to the U.S. space program. His work played an important role in advancing NASA's mission and reflected both his technical excellence and his passion for engineering.

Earlier in his career, Pete worked at Ford Aerospace, where he made significant contributions for successful proposals that helped secure NASA projects. Throughout his career, he was respected for his knowledge, ingenuity, and dedication to the important work of America's space program.

He was married to Carolyn (Hudson) Hughes for 38 years, a partnership that reflected enduring commitment, lots of laughter, quilting, shared days, and a life built side by side

Pete and Carolyn had a passion for creating beautiful award winning quilts together. Pete enjoyed and became an amazing long arm quilter during his retirement years.

He was preceded in death by parents; Errol A. Hughes, father; Margaret Walker Hughes, mother and Jackie Hughes Sobechek, sister.

Pete is survived by wife Carolyn Hughes; brother, Ashley Hughes, children; sons, Glenn Hughes, Errol A. Hughes III, Michael Hughes, David Sidwell and Larry Sykes; daughter Rebecca Sykes; grandchildren Olivia Sykes Rau, Erica Sykes, Hannah Hughes, Audrey Hughes, Katie Hughes, Ellis Hughes, Allyson Hughes, Joshua Marek, Phillip Marek, Alyssa Rackley and Ryan Rackley; and precious great-granddaughter Isla Rose Rau.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas, on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

Pete will be remembered with gratitude and affection celebrated for a life of service, steady work, genuine kindness, and the laughter he left behind.