Halley C. Hughes

HALLEY C. HUGHES, age 97, passed away November 16, 2007 at his home in Otisville, MI. He was born May 21, 1910 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, to Judson B. Hughes and Mary Hughes.
Halley's Comet, a comet that passes close to earth every 76 to79 years, came closer to the earth than ever before on May 20, 1910. The next day, when Halley was born, the earth is believed to have passed through the comet's tail. Family legend has it that Halley came to earth on the tail of the comet.
Halley spent his early years in Ontario, Canada, but came to the United States as a young teenager to live with his uncle and aunt. Dr. Charles E. Hughes and Jeannette Hughes, in Bay City, MI. He graduated from GMI, now known as Kettering University, in Flint, MI.
Halley worked some 42 years for AC Spark Plug. He retired in 1970, at the age of 60, because he had seen too many of his friends work until they were 65 and not live long enough to enjoy their retirement. Halley was a member of the Otisville Lodge No. 401 Free and Accepted Masons for over 60 years.
Halley is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Louise (Peters) Hughes; two sons: Judge Richard L. Hughes (Suzanne) of Otisville, MI. and James L. Hughes (Peggy) of Roscommon, MI.; six grandchildren Robert C. Hughes, Jr. of Dana Point, CA, Jeannette Louise Vrieland (Brian) of Farmington Hills, MI, Elizabeth Anne Hughes-Latchana (Mark) of East Lansing, MI., Michael James Hughes (Teresa) of Glen Easton, W. VA, Sarah Fisher (Rick) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and James L. Hughes Jr.,(Sarah) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; seven great grandchildren: and two nieces, Shirley Davidson (Woodrow) and Mary Nerine Fraser (Norm), He was preceded in death by his son Robert C. Hughes; his sister, Doris Babcock; and two nephews Lyle and Clinton Babcock.
Halley had a great life and long (37 years) and wonderful retirement. He traveled across the United States and overseas with his beloved wife, Mary Louise. They loved their cabin on the South Branch of the Au Sable River near Roscommon, MI. He loved to play cards and was an avid golfer. Halley had a great sense of humor, was an excellent story teller, and always had a funny joke to make people laugh. He will be sorely missed.
In honor of Halley's request cremation has taken place, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Robert C. Hughes Memorial Fund and sent to Schoolcraft County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 452, Manistique, MI 49854. Memories may be shared with the family at rhughes@co.genesee.mi.us.