Charles DeMar Hughes

Charles DeMar Hughes passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at the age of 91, at his home surrounded by family. He was born April 5, 1930 in St. George, Utah, the 1st of 7 children to Dee Mathew and Lois Judd Hughes.

DeMar grew up in Mesquite, NV attending grade school in Mesquite and High School in Bunkerville, graduating in May 1948. During his youth, he worked with his father and grandfather driving teams of horses thrashing grain for many farms across the valley and hauling hay. He learned the value of hard work and honesty.

After high school he worked in Blue Diamond making building supplies. He enlisted in the Navy in 1951 at the beginning of the Korean Conflict. By serving, he developed a great love for this country, which he honored for his entire life. He received an honorable medical discharge.

He married Donna Rose Palmer of Alton, UT in the ST George Temple on June 8, 1951. They lived in North Las Vegas, NV where he worked for Clark Dairy delivering milk. They had two daughters while living there.

In 1956, they moved to Mesquite, where he worked for the family business, Hughes Brothers Dairy Farm. Four more children, all sons, were born. To provide for a growing family, he designed and built his family home with the help of family and neighbors, which he resided in for the remainder of his life. They had two more daughters to complete the family of eight. His example of hard work was passed on to his children who all helped at the dairy and with the farm.

DeMar and Donna later divorced.

On January 16, 1973 he married, widowed Anna Lou Daniels Gleave, who had five children from Annabella, UT. He was provider and father to their combined family of 13. A son was born to them in 1974, completing the mine-yours-and-ours family of 14 children. DeMar was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Serving in numerous callings; High Council Member, Bishopric Counselor, Youth and Scout leader which he delighted in youth trips, scout camps and was a favorite camp cook. He was a faithful Home Teacher and shared his Testimony of Jesus Christ often.

He wasn’t afraid to put his ideas into action by creating and inventing items his posterity uses today. He was a great cook and shared his talents as often as he could. Each Christmas he would make a huge batch of chili and cornbread for his family that was nearby. The last several years of his life, he made peanut brittle each Christmas to give away to everyone he knew. He made the best food, from sourdough pancakes, chicken and white gravy, his peanut brittle, his own birthday cakes with nuts, homemade ice cream and much, much more.

He had a great love of his heritage and ancestors, and told many stories of their lives and struggles to his children. He also, enjoyed family reunions and participated yearly. He started a sibling’s reunion that was held for several years as well.

He was instrumental in organizing a community square dance club, The Desert Dancers, and became a professional square dance caller for 15 years.

In 2002, DeMar and Anna Lou served in the Cove Fort Mission, making numerous friends and it was a highlight of their lives. After their mission, they were dedicated patrons every Monday for over 15 years at The St George, Ut Temple.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Anna Lou Hughes; children, Cynthia Dupaix and Raymond Hughes both of Provo, UT, Dale (Robin) Hughes of Italy, TX , Roger (Stephanie) Hughes and Pamela (David) Tait of Mesquite, NV, Karl (Cheryl) Hughes of Axtel, UT, Teresa (John) Medel of ST. George, UT, Andee (Amanda) Hughes of Las Vegas, NV, Angela (Art) Hall of Mesa, AZ , Laura (Dean) Nielson of Washington, UT, Mary (Art) Shaner of Mesquite, NV, John (Sheree) Gleave of Bunkerville, NV, Patti Gleave of Phoenix, AZ and son-in-law Thomas W. (Irene) Bryan Jr. of Washington, Ut; sisters, Karla Lee and Bonita Boyce, brothers Myron (Lucy) Hughes, Warren (Jane) Hughes and Derald (Yvonne) Hughes; sister-in-law Gaye Hughes; 67 grandchildren, 139 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; daughter, Cathleen D. Bryan; son-in-law, Fred H. Dupaix; grandaughter, Rebekah Noelle Hughes, great granddaughters Kianna Marie Medel, Harlee Shanelle Netter and brother Arvil Creston Hughes

Funeral services will be Sat. July 17, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Mesquite Stake Center 100 N Arrowhead Lane, Mesquite, NV. A viewing will be held Friday, July 16th from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. and Saturday July 17th from 9:30 to 10:30AM at the same location. Interment will be at the Mesquite City Cemetery under the direction of Virgin Valley Mortuary, 702-346-6060.

Funeral services will be live-streamed on our website: virginvalleymortuary.com

The family would like to thank Mesa View Hospice for their wonderful care the past few months.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles DeMar Hughes, please visit our floral store.