Tommy J. Hughes

Tommy J. Hughes, 71, died at his home in Oak Harbor on Dec. 23, 2006 following a lengthy illness.

He was born Nov. 24, 1935 in Houston County, Ala. to E.J. and Myrtle (Henderson) Hughes.

Tom left school and his home in Alabama and enlisted in the Navy in 1953. He served first as a gunner’s mate, then as a ship’s serviceman. The Navy assigned him to his duty stations on both the East and the West coasts. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

He married the former Elizabeth J. Lamb on June 16, 1960 in Birmingham, Ala. He left the Navy in 1974.

Following his Navy career, Tom worked for the Navy Exchange for two years — which later taken over by Civil Service — with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to manage the Nor Wester Enlisted Club. He maintained that position from 1976 to 1992. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Bermuda, the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge No. 2392 and the Disabled American Veterans.

Tom developed a love of horses as a young man working on his grandfather’s farm. When he purchased his property on Whidbey, Tom was finally able to have his own horses. He began raising very successful American Quarter Horses. His prize was his beloved horse “Caesar,” who died three years ago. Tom was a very well respected horseman. He was a longtime member of the Island County Sheriffs Posse.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty at the family home, Oak Harbor and by two sisters, Sylvia Ann Head of Castaic, Calif. and Carolyn Virginia Beasley of Florala, Ala.

Memorial services will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor with Linda Haddon, Celebrant. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made in his name to Alzheimer’s Association, Western and Central Washington Chapter, Development Department, 12721 30th Ave. NE, #101, Seattle, WA 98125.