On June 10, 2010 Larry went to be with the Lord. Larry was born in Becker Co. Mn on 1-28-35 to Frank and Hazel Hughes. He was preceded in death by loving wife of 42 years, Janet Hughes, sisters Jean Grady and Joyce Doyle, and is survived by son Rod Hughes (Suzanne), daughter Kim Knox (Bob), grandchildren Matt Hughes, Brandon Hughes, Karley Knox, Kraig Knox and Kiersten Knox, brothers Dale, Lee, and Don, sister Twyla Bates, Larry's loving companion of nine years Carol Scott, and numerous friends and relatives.
Larry was the 3rd of 7 children, with three brothers and three sisters. He lived in Minnesota until the age of 8 when the family moved to Spanaway in 1943. Larry attended school at Spanaway Grade School, where he met his lifelong friend in the 5th grade, Ralph Kidd. He later attended school in Kapowsin and Roy. As a young man, Larry served in the Army for two years as a paratrooper and another six in the reserves.
He met and fell in love with a friend’s younger sister Janet and they were married March 14, 1958. The next year, they moved to a farm house in the outskirts of Tacoma. On the farm Larry raised chickens, pigs and cattle. Larry and Janet had two children while living there; first a son Rod and then, a daughter Kim two years later. They moved from the farm to a new home and Larry got into the coin business when Kim was about six months old. Larry and Janet sank deep roots, never moving again.
Larry could always find something interesting to do with his family. Camping trips would include catching chipmunks to sell to the B&I pet store in Tacoma. Hunting trips would also include collection of many, many cloth sacks of pine cones for forest service replanting. Long weekend drives with his family exploring, would include collection of his favorite mushroom or the gathering firewood for the winter. Larry seemed to notice so much detail around him and knew where to find nearly everything. He was an industrious man with many talents; welding to whistling to wood working, and he could fix just about anything. That was Larry.
Larry and Janet truly enjoyed being grandparents with their five grandchildren. Matt and Brandon were born to Rod and Suzanne Hughes, and Karley, Kraig and Kiersten, born to daughter Kim and Bob Knox.
Larry spent most of his career as a truck driver; short haul only, so he could be home every evening with his family. He retired from truck driving in 1997, last working for Pederson Fryer Farms in Tacoma. After retirement, Larry and Janet enjoyed traveling in their motor home and being active in the Early Day Gas & Steam Engine Association. Larry loved to buy, sell and restore old engines and was a serious “Pioneer Power & Tool Collector”. He loved traveling to engine shows where he would display his engines and enjoy the company of those who loved to do the same. He was very well known among other collectors, and always had a well stocked and unique display that stood out among others.
In the year 2000, Larry lost his wife and best friend of 42 years to cancer. Larry was an extremely strong man and kept busy with his hobbies, and even made a solo trip to Australia. Janet never flew in an airplane, so it had been many years since he had traveled afar.
In 2001 Larry met a delightful woman named Carol Scott. She was a wonderful addition to his life and a constant companion to him for his remaining years. Larry and Carol enjoyed traveling, camping, and continued to stay active in the engine club. Larry’s family has been truly blessed to have had her be such a special person in his life.
If asked to describe Larry in a couple of short sentences, he was one of the kindest, most honest, and well liked individuals that you would ever meet. He took life one day at a time, and didn't have a mean bone in his body. While in the hospital in his final days, one nurse told Larry he was ‘so easy going’. That was Larry. He was a friendly man sharing his ingenuity, kindness and humor with so many. He will be greatly missed.
Memorial Service to be held 3:00 PM June 16, 2010 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 2306 Milton Way, Milton WA 98354
Please send us your fondest memories of Larry to Memories.of.Larry@gmail.com and we will post them to the site at http://LarryHughes.WidgetMaster.com. Thanks.
Memories of Larry collected at
Larry Hughes
