Clement ‘Papa Clem’ Hughes
Clem passed away on Dec 27th, 2013, peacefully at his home after spending one of many beautiful Christmases surrounded by his loving family.
Clem was born and raised on the Western Slope. He served 4 years in the Air Force, after which, he came home and married the love of his life, Charlotte. Together they raised 4 children and helped with 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Over the years he loved and cared for many more. He will always be “Papa Clem” to all of us who love him so much.
Clem was an owner/operator of his own excavating company in the Roaring Fork Valley, and worked on many projects throughout the valley over the years. He enjoyed building, farming,
hunting, camping, traveling, cooking, and anything that kept him busy, but most of all spending time with his family. Papa has been a valuable mentor to many and touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.
He leaves behind his loving wife Charlotte and 4 children; Dan and Marian Hughes (of Carbondale), Sherry and Roger Harris (of Silt), Roxan Hughes (of Carbondale), and Randy Hughes (of DeBeque). Clem also leaves behind siblings, Martha Rakish (of New Castle), Myrna Orosz (of Carbondale), and Lael Hughes (of Carbondale), along with grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Hughes SR., Martha (Gross) Hughes, his brothers Harry Hughes Jr., David Hughes, and daughter-in-law Sharon Washburn-Hughes.
Thank you Papa for all the joy that you brought to each and every one of us. You are loved dearly and will be greatly missed.
A celebration honoring the life of Papa Clem will be at the American Legion, Carbondale, Colorado. 11am-4pm, Saturday, Jan 4, 2013.
