Fred Lee Hughes

Fred Lee Hughes, 90, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018 in Abilene, Texas, after a brief hospitalization. Born in Merkel, Texas on October 26, 1927, Fred Lee was the son of Fred C. Hughes and Florence Lee Hughes, and had one brother, J. Harold Hughes. Fred Lee graduated from Abilene High School in 1945 and A&M College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) in 1948. He married Wanda Fain on June 25,1949. He served in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean Conflict (1951-53). He received an Honorable Discharge as First Lieutenant. During his business career, Fred Lee was an automobile dealer and involved in banking. As an active Abilene civic leader, he served as – President, Abilene Chamber of Commerce (1972), City Councilman (1966-69), Mayor (1975-78), Chairman, Military Affairs Committee (1978-1989), Member, Rotary Club of Abilene since 1953, President (1962-63) and Member of St. Paul United Methodist Church since 1936, and former Trustee. Fred Lee received awards for Outstanding Citizen (1972), Abilene Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service, from U S Secretary of the Air Force (1989), and Abilenian of the Millennium, 1999. Fred Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Wanda, and his brother Harold. He is survived by two sons, Dr. Ken A. Hughes of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Mike C. Hughes and his wife Lynda of Fort Worth, Texas, their three sons, William Craft Hughes and wife Joanna and their two children Charlie and Mackenzie Hughes, Lee Michael Hughes and wife Katie and their three daughters Elizabeth, Emily and Evie Hughes, and Clark Jackson Hughes. Survivors also include his sister-in-law, Glynell Hughes of Abilene, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Monday, April 30, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, May 1, at St. Paul United Methodist Church officiated by Chuck Erwin and Mike Hughes. A private burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be William Craft Hughes, Lee Michael Hughes, Clark Jackson Hughes, James Hughes, Robert Hughes and Jimmy Tittle. Memorials may be made to the donor's charity of choice.