More detail on this person: William A. Hughes Sr. Shaw and Sons Funeral Directors YAKIMA - William A. Hughes Sr. died Sept 5, 2005 in Yakima. Bill was born February 29, 1920 in Yakima, the only child of Horace "Bud" and Lilias (Dutcher) Hughes. Bill graduated from Yakima High in 1939. He was a Corporal in the National Guard and was sent to Hawaii after WWII broke out. In 1941, while at Hichham Field in Hawaii he was selected for officer candidate school and went to pilot training in Pensacola, FL. Bill married Naydene (Northey) of Yakima in 1944 in Tallahassee, FL. After the war he returned to Yakima and worked at Hanford and Web Equipment. In 1950 Bill returned to active duty in the Air Force and Flew P-51 Mustangs and later became one of the early Air Force helicopter pilots. In 1957 he was stationed at Stead AFB in Reno, NV where he was instrumental in writing the ground school and high altitude helicopter course for the Air Force. In 1963 he and his squadron volunteered for a tour in Vietnam. He retired as an Air Force Major in 1965. He then went to work for the F.A.A. as an inspector and accident prevention specialist. He was very proud of his many pilot certificates especially his air transport rating and his many helicopter hours. Bill remained current and continued to fly helicopters until his death. After his retirement he enjoyed his homes at Lake Almanor, CA and Yakima. Bill was a member of many Masonic Orders including the Shrine and The Royal Order of Jesters. He was a longtime member of the Elks, American Legion, VFW, Quiet Birdman, USAF Helicopter Pilots Assoc., and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assoc. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sheryl and his wife Naynene. He is survived by his son Bill Hughes Jr. of Yakima, his daughter Kathleen Hughes-Marks of Lake Almanor, CA, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and his very special friend Rosie Stotsenberg of Yakima. In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to Shriner's Hospital in care of Masada Shrine in Yakima. Visitation will be from 11a-7p on Friday, September 9, 2005 at Shaw and Sons Funeral Directors. A tribute service will be held at 10am on Saturday, September 10, 2005 At Shaw and Sons Funeral Directors with concluding burial at Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima.
Burial information: Tahoma Cemetery, Yakima, WA
This information was last updated 09/19/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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