Al A. Hughes

Al A. Hughes, a former resident of Lake Charles and recently residing in Lafayette, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2013. He was born to Eddie Rose Hughes and Zelma Mire Hughes on July 21, 1924. Al was a member of the first American Legion Boys State in 1940. He graduated from Sulphur High School in 1941 and later that year played in the Annual Bi-State All Stars Football Classic. He attended Louisiana Normal College (Northwestern State University) on a football scholarship but left school at the end of the semester to enlist in the United State Marine Corps. Al actively served in the Marine Corps until 1947 after which he went into the Reserves. He participated in the landing on Iwo Jima as a machine gun squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 28th Regiment. He was wounded in action. When he left active service, Al was a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Al was in the Class of 1952, the first graduation class after McNeese State College became a four year college. He completed his training as a registered nurse at Hotel Dieu Hospital, New Orleans in 1955 and completed his training as a nurse anesthetist in Lancaster, PA in 1957. He retired from the practice of anesthesia in 1997. Al married Joy Silcott Hughes in 1946 of which three children were born: Todd Silcott Hughes, John Hatch Hughes and Matthew Ernest Hughes. Al and Joy traveled extensively around the world. While Joy was recognized as a Master at Duplicate Bridge, she always said that Al was the best bridge player with whom she had ever played. Between their travels, Al and Joy spent much of their free time together on dance floors around south Louisiana. Al was also a 32nd degree Mason, Shriner and a member of the Habibi Temple. He belonged to the American Legion and the Marine Corp League. Al was preceded in death by wife Joy, his son Todd and his great grandson Jaydon Louviere. He is survived by his son John and wife Helen and by his son Matthew and wife Deborah; by his grandchildren Dawn Marie Mattox, Shane Hughes, Dr. Stephanie Hughes, Jennifer Hughes, Laura Escandon, John Hughes II, Hope Hughes, Claire Hughes, Hanna Hughes and Jacob Hughes; by seven great grandchildren; by his sisters Victoria Baumgarten, Helen Theaux and Joyce Langley; by his sister-in-law Dr. Ernie June Silcott; and by many nieces and nephews. After cremation, Al's ashes will be interred in the columbarium at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles. Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles will post information regarding a memorial service.