Charles Pennyweitz Hughes’ spirit became unwound from his earthly body January 6 , 2024 and he made his heavenly flight to join Jesus and the saints and his family gone on before. Brought to this earth on March 11, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, Charles was the first born son of Charlie and Lena Inman Hughes. He later was joined by his brother, Michael and his sister, Molly Elizabeth Hughes Siau (Tommy)
Charles was a lifelong resident of Bon Wier Texas only briefly leaving to attend college at Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. As fast as possible after graduation, he found himself back in his beloved East Texas working for Louisiana Pacific and Kirby as a woods supervisor until his retirement. He became an avid gardener and lover of all things in nature. He was an early riser who worked tirelessly through the hours only to come inside as the light of the sun faded away for the day.
Charles had lifelong friends from high school and college and was a devoted Newton Eagle fan. Two of his “buds” Lloyd Downing and Tommy Cofty , carried him to the football games in his wheelchair where they could all be seen proudly decked out in their purple and white cheering for the Eagles.
He loved his church family from Kirbyville First Baptist and his teammates who traveled from disaster to disaster providing showers for victims of flooding, hurricanes, fires and tornados. He was the one who always hooked up the shower trailer hoses and pipes because he was the only one small enough to fit under the trailer.
He will leave behind sad ones who will miss him.
Those who will grieve him because they loved him include his wife of 61+ years, Connie Bean Hughes; his beloved daughter, Penny Ruth Hughes Stanton (Don) and his treasured grands, Eric Stanton serving aboard the Aircraft carrier the Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan , and Grace Margaret Stanton, a recent graduate of the Louisiana Culinary Arts School in Baton Rouge, La and future employee of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond; his sister, Molly and Tommy, his brother in law, his nephew on the Hughes Sue, Connor Armstrong and his wife, and daughter. When he married into the Bean family he also acquired 9 nephews Dorman, Jim, Charlie, Scott , Brent, Robin, Chris, Ryan and Ben and their families and 8 nieces, Cheryl, Sue, Jo , Elizabeth, Jessica, Christy, Carrie and Betsy with their families and numerous other treasures in further generations.
He treasured his brothers of the heart, John, Lynn, Olen and Bobby Bean and his oldest brother, D A Walters. His love extended to his sisters of the heart, Katie Carroll, and Ellen Bean who faithfully joined him on Tuesday nights to watch Dr Pol and eat Bluebell Ice cream while Connie went to violin practice. His love for his sisters of the heart also included Avis Bean, Patricia Bean and Anne Bean, and Sue Downing.
Charles always carried a small brass cross inlaid in wood in his pocket. It was not necessary but was his reminder of giving his heart to Jesus when he was 9 years old. He served faithfully as a deacon in Bon Wier church for many years. He was a faithful member of Kirbyville F
One thing Charles could do well when he was a young man was run. His own nephew challenged him to a foot race when he was in this late 60s and needless to say, Conner, his nephew ate heel dust and crow that day. He was athletic and loved all sports. He could have been faster and better if when he was in high school, he didn’t also love Winston cigarettes. Smoking gave way in later years and he only had one habit that stayed with him for his entire adult life and that was loving Connie and he did it well.
Now, though, Charles’ time on earth is done. He’s earned his reward, his work is done. May God grant him the fruit of his labors. God knows his name and He has redeemed him. Enter into your rest sweet Charles and we’ll see you soon.
Inner strength in what you do today.