Warren M. Hughes

Warren M. Hughes, M.D., 93, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by all of his loved ones. He lived a fulfilled and wonderful life. He was walking and as sharp as a tack up until the week he passed away.  

Warren was born on December 1, 1922 to George H. and Zina Cole Hughes in Midvale, Utah. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1941. He attended the University of Utah for his Bachelors of Arts and a Doctorate of Medicine. He was always a huge supporter of the Running Utes. During his studies at the University, he married Lola Morgan, the love of his life and his high school sweetheart on August 31, 1945. After graduation, they moved to Miami, Florida for his internship and residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital. It was during that time that Jane, his first daughter, was born.

In 1952 they moved to Houston, Texas, where he completed a Fellowship in Cardiology at Baylor University Medical School. He remained there during the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Air Force. He achieved the rank of Captain and was second in command at Ellington Air Force Base Hospital. It was also there that Merrilee, his second daughter, was born.

In 1955 they returned to Utah, where he started his private practice in Internal Medicine. In 1962, his beautiful wife Lola passed away of cancer. This devastating event did not deter him from raising his daughters with much love, compassion and support.

His passion for medicine was a paramount part of his life. His private practice provided incredible care to his patients for 39 years. He was a longtime member of the Cottonwood Hospital Medical Staff and severed as Chief of Medicine numerous times. After retiring from his practice he missed medicine and began working part-time at the VA Hospital and worked in patient history and diagnosis for 10 years until the age of 81. 

He was a proud member of the Murray Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Foundation Award in 1992 while he was the Rotary President. 

He was the most devoted father and grandfather; a true family man through and through. He was a friend to everyone and one of the nicest people on earth. 

Warren is survived by his daughters Jane (Tom) Stevens, Merrilee (Doug) Knight; grandchildren Nick (Sara) Knight, Natalie Knight and Katie (Pat) Mikula; Dogs Gracie, Bodi, Liv and Teddy whom he fed way too many treats to. He is also survived by his longtime companion of 34 years, Margaret Clawson.  

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Cottonwood Place and Health South for all of the compassionate and loving care they gave to Warren. Also, we would like to thank all of his amazing friends who loyally came to visit him.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at The Cottonwood Country Club (1780 E Lakewood Drive) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Best Friends Animal Society. Arrangements under the direction of Starks Funeral Home.