Lawrence Joe Hughes

Lawrence Hughes of Jefferson City, MO formerly of St. James passed away April 7th, 2023 at the Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, MO. He was 77 years of age.

Lawrence or Joe as he was known by his family and friends, was born August 24, 1945 at Cook Station, MO, the son of Everett and Mabel (Veach) Hughes who preceded him in death. 

Joe is survived by his former wife and best friend, Valerie (Carlson) Hughes of Melissa, TX. Son: Jonathan Hughes of Melissa, TX; Daughters: Angela Crone and husband Darren of Allen, Texas and Joey Hughes of Huntington Beach, CA; Brothers: Dave Hughes and wife, Sheri of Pacific, Mo; Gary Hughes and wife, Patti of St James, MO;  Bert Hughes and wife, Barbara of Kansas City, MO; Sisters: Lucy McWhorter and partner, Greg Reeves of Columbia, MO; Debbie Hughes and husband, Tom Luebbert of St James, MO; grandchildren: Christian Hughes of Austin, TX; Avery Martinez of Huntington Beach, CA; Joey Martinez of Seattle, WA; Gracie and Gabrielle Crone of Allen, TX along with other family and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by nephew, Douglas Hughes and close friend, Sandy Richards. 

Joe graduated from John F. Hodge High School in St. James and then went into the Coast Guard. After 4 years of service to his country, he was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He earned an associate degree and continued his career as a computer systems analyst where he retired after 50 years of service. He enjoyed watching the St Louis Cardinals and had many spirited discussions with his son-in-law, Darren about the Cardinals and the Rangers.  He was an avid tennis player and played in many VA league tournaments, where his family was in attendance. He was really looking forward to his granddaughter, Gabrielle, attending Mizzou in the fall. He was greatly loved by his family and especially his grandkids. He will be sadly missed.

Joe Hughes will lie in state from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Pastor Stephen Brubaker officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at the St. James Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Wesley Luebbert, Patric Luebbert, Justin Hughes, Ben Hughes, Charlie Roark, and Greg Reeves. 

Memorials may be given to the Meals on Wheels through Aging Best at our website.  A donation may also be made by sending a check payable to Aging Best 201 W Broadway, Suite 1E Columbia, MO 65203; please specify for Meals on Wheels-Jefferson City.

Online condolences may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

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