CPO (Ret) Paul Armand Hughes

February 23, 1938 - May 14, 2019

CPO (Ret) Paul Armand Hughes, son of the late Arthur H. and Marie J. (Auger) Hughes, was born February 23, 1938 in Dover, New Hampshire. Paul joined the National Guard in 1954 at the age of 16. He entered active duty into the United States Navy in February 1955 and served until February 1959. He later joined the United States Coast Guard in April 1960 and served his country faithfully until his retirement in May 1978. He had attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with “0” Device, Fourth Coast Guard Good Conduct Award, and the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. He served as a Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate and also flew as a flight engineer in a C-130 (10,000 hours). Even though as a young boy, Paul left school in the 8th grade, he did not let that stop his education. After retiring from the military, he completed his GED and three Associates Degrees from the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He later served as a substitute teacher for the Elizabeth City School District for many years. On October 14, 1956 in Fitzgerald, Georgia, Paul was united in marriage to Elzora E. Elkins. They shared almost 60 years of marriage together before she preceded him in death on November 25, 2016. Paul and Elzora were blessed with three children: Mark, Mike and Angela. Paul was a life member of the Chief Petty Officer’s Association and the Disabled American Veterans. Paul passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in his son’s home surrounded by his loving family having attained the age of 81 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Paul leaves to cherish his memory, three children: Mark Hughes (Cindy) of Waynesville, MO, Mike Hughes (Jen) of Fairland, IN and Angela Newhall (John) of Weare, NH; six grandchildren; one sister: Kathy Belair (Armand) of Manchester, NH; one brother: Robert Hughes of Manchester, NH; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside services with military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with Chaplain (CPT) Matt Burden officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Coast Guard. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of CPO (Ret) Paul Hughes and may be left at the funeral home.