Donald Hughes, Sr. 89, of Sabetha died Friday, September 5, 2014 at the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was born on March 27, 1925 in Independence, Kansas. He was the son of Oscar and Annie (Volz) Hughes. He attended Beatty High School and graduated as a member of the Class of 1943. Donald is a military veteran having served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He spent most of his life in Sabetha, Kansas and was employed for 35 years at Mid-American Dairy, retiring in 1987. After retiring from Mid-Am, he was employed at Wolf Track Ranch for Larry Bailey as a ranch hand for many years.

Donald was married to Opal Wheat on February 16, 1954 in Sabetha. She preceded im in death in 1993. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Annie; a sister, Rita Wende of Seneca; three brother-in-laws, Raymond Wende of Seneca, Chuck Baker of Sabetha formally of Salem, Nebraska and Marvin Utecht of Marysville.

He is survived one son, Donald R. Hughes, Jr. his wife, Tina and two grandchildren, Samuel and Maggi Hughes of Sabetha; three sisters, Cathrine Utecht of Marysville, Annie Baker of Sabetha and Helen Schwindamann of Marysville; one brother, Pat Hughes of Lee Summit, Missouri.

He was an actively involved in the Albany Historical Society, and a member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hunting, trap shooting, horseback riding and team roping.

Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church prior to the service. The interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Sabetha V.F.W. Post #7285. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity yet to be designated sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas 66534. www.popkessmortuaries.com