David Gordon Hughes
February 23, 1938 - November 20, 2021
David Gordon Hughes, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on November 20, 2021 in Millcreek City, Utah.
David was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to AlphaLea Hitner and Carl Hughes on February 23rd, 1938. David married the love of his life Carol Jean Zink on September 4th, 1965 and they were blessed with 56 years of marriage, 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
Upon completion of high school, he volunteered to serve in the Army for 3 years and then attended and graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Pharmacy. His career took him from Minnesota to owning a pharmacy in Montana to completing his career in Salt Lake City.
David was active in his Catholic faith and community. He dedicated many years of service to the Knights of Columbus, St. Ambrose liturgical ministries, and organizing years of Lenten soup dinners with his wife. He was both a devoted husband and loving father who was always present for every milestone in each of his kid's lives. He took great pride and joy in the accomplishments of his wife, children, their spouses, and grandchildren. He was their trusted advisor and encourager. David enjoyed nothing more than being in the company of his family. He was a guiding light with a selfless work ethic, enormous patience, and a solid moral compass. David enjoyed building things, problem-solving and found great joy in learning new skills. This curiosity and drive led him to earn a pilot’s license, learn how to brew beer and make wine, and design and create artisan cutting boards, which he enjoyed sharing with his loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his brother Ronald Hughes and his parents AlphaLea Hitner and Carl Hughes.
He is survived by his wife Carol Hughes, his children Brent Hughes (Jennifer), Chris Hughes, Chuck Hughes (Mary) and Deidre Schoenfeld (Danny) and his grandchildren – Linden (Lindy), William, Thomas, Katie, Connor, Ale, Marcus, and Benjamin.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2 PM on Wednesday, December 1st at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. A viewing and celebration of life will follow from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM MT at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Knights of Columbus in David's name.
In Loving Memory
What a wonderful, kind, intelligent, caring, and gentle man he was. The world would be a much better place with a few more like him. My heart aches for his family and their loss, but also rejoices that he has joined his heavenly family. With deepest sympathies, Jean & family
Jean Morrow
Black Creek, WI
Dear Chris and all members of the Hughes family: We were very sadden to learn of your loss. We never had the chance to meet David. But by reading his obituary one can tell what a great man he was. You have the deepest sympathy from your friends in Spain. Borja and family.
Borja Perez Mata
Castellon/Castello, Sp
David was a special devoted husband father and member of the st Ambrose parish. We will miss him and I'll pray for repose of his soul. Bonnie nell
Bonnie nell
Salt lake city, Ut
I was shocked when we prayed for David's soul at Mass Sunday evening. He was there at the Saturday evening Mass only a couple of weeks ago. I didn't make time to say hello then - I will always regret that. I have many sweet memories of him, but choose to share the one from when my kids were in grade school. After dropping them off, I would go over to St. Ambrose to spend some time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. David was always there in prayer before I got there, and seemed to have the Audience "warmed up" - it was so easy to slip into the Presence then. Carol, I am so very sorry for your loss - he will be missed, for sure.
Mary Beth Andrews
Salt Lake City, Ut