Gilbert Raymond Hughes

Initial arrival: March 22nd, 1944

Final departure: July 12th, 2024

Gilbert Raymond Hughes transitioned to his next destination at home with his adoring wife, Bobbi Baker-Hughes at his side.

Gilbert lived a long, adventurous life full of love, laughter, joy, travel and celebrations! (And a little homemade wine which created much of the basis for so many celebrations!)

Born and raised in North Andrew County, Missouri, the fifth of twelve children, Gilbert was a dairy farm boy from the country who dreamed of seeing the world.

So...Gil joined the Air Force after high school in 1962. After serving his country for four years, he still hungered to see more of the world. He obtained a position traveling for Learjet as an Independent Contractor in Europe and Asia working on helicopter electronics. During this time, his son, Eric Raymond Hughes, was born in the Philippines. (The ultimate travel souvenir!) Eric eventually followed his father's footsteps and joined the Air Force and like Dad, traveled the world.

Upon returning to the United States, Gil traveled throughout the Midwest selling Harvesters. (If you're not a farmer, you might not know... I sure didn't!)

In time Gil landed at Arrow & Budget Forklift and CharNor Enterprises as Sales Manager. Specializing in forks, engines, transmissions, counterweights, and everything in between. People from around the world would call Gil Hughes, to get the right part for the right price at the right time! And the best customer service you could ever expect!

It was at this point in his life in 1980 when he met his soon-to-be  wife, Bobbi Baker-Hughes who was in the same industry. They blended their family to include Kathy Baker & Rob Baker to join Eric, Gil's only child. They could certainly liven up the household with preteen antics! Twelve and a half years later, as the children grew into their own and as Gil & Bobbi's relationship grew into a marriage that promised forever love...they created PACTCO their successful forklift parts business. They traveled the United States, as experts in their field and, with the support of their former employers, grew the business over the next 30 years.

Hundreds of thousands of miles were put on those old pickup trucks traveling the United States going places he had never been before and rediscovering old haunts and beautiful places that one must experience and share more than once.

And share he did! He shared stories of places he'd been, of places he wanted to go, and of things he had done and would yet do. He shared his experiences. His wisdom. His desires. His genealogy research.

And so much more!

He shared with his children, g-babies & great great g-babies. He could talk and they were a captive audience!

Gil mentored & coached the Gladstone youth Green Bay Packer football team, and was a Boy Scout leader guiding his sons and other young men to become Life & Eagle Scouts and leaders of the next generation. A humble Hero for many...

And strangers. Although he never met a stranger! Everyone was Gil Hughes's friend. Always there to help. To share. To encourage.

He recently told Bobbi "It's time. It's time. I have done all that I have been sent here to do. I love you."

And love us he did...all of us!

He's gone on to prepare another lovely home for his wife & best friend of 44 years, his children

son, Eric Hughes  g-babies Zachary Hughes, (w. Makenzie), Zane Hughes & Zoe Adams, and daughter Kathy Prewitt, g-baby Stephen Steiner (w. Sabrina), great-gbabies Binnie & Sonder, and g-baby Sierra Prewitt, (great-g-babies Cyrus & Ari) and g-baby Sean Prewitt (w. Sydney), great g-baby Ryder and son Rob Baker, (w. Santina), g-baby Alexa  Costanza (& Josh), great-g-babies Milania & Knox, plus g-baby Aly Baker (& Nick) and g-baby Kenzie Baker.

Gilbert joins his puppies, McTavish, Zeus, Ruby Rose, Harley, and waits patiently for his best bud Blue to join the pack of his canine family.

Babies & puppies always made him smile...and a little bourbon!

We wish to thank our Visiting Angel, Lacee Gregg. She is a loving professional and a friend for life. A huge thank you to those of you that walked by our side and supported us during these times. All of those friends, family, work team and community that helped us Celebrate his life by giving us time together...we cannot thank you enough.

Gil is survived by eight brothers & sisters and too many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and their great & grands to count as was evident at the most recent Family reunion/Gil's Surprise 80th Birthday party of 86 attendees! (Which was not all of the current  branches of that BIG ol' family tree!) Love surrounded him by all.

Gil's son Eric, his parents, Raymond and Nettie Hughes, and three brothers Allen, David, and Darryl were surely at the Pearly Gates to welcome him Home.

Enjoy the sunrise & sunset...

Celebrate life with a few happy hours and flowers ...

Life is short ...no matter how old we get...Enjoy the Ride ...and

Eat dessert first!

Dessert will be served immediately following the services.

(Because he was Sweet!)

Patriot Guard will lead the procession to the Highland Cemetery.

(Because he now rides Free!)

Services will be Saturday July 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 500 E. Pawnee Street, Savannah, Missouri 64485

A Celebration of his Life will happen every day for the rest of our lives!

Interment with military honors will be at a later date at Leavenworth National Cemetery