Alvah Al F. Hughes Jr., 90
Alvah Al F. Hughes Jr., 90, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell. Al was born April 16, 1919, in St. Pauls, N.C., to Alvah and Sadie (Johnson) Hughes. He attended school in St. Pauls, graduating from the prep military school near Raleigh, N.C. He followed by graduating from Officers Candidate School in Richmond, Va. Al began his 25-year military career at Fort Bragg, N.C. in hospital supply. Al served three tours in Korea as the M.A.S.H. administrative officer, including during the Korean Conflict. Other assignments included Fort Lewis, Wash., Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Toul, France, and Fort Riley, Kan. Al was involved in a variety of businesses following his retirement. Al married Lt. Joan Minette, a staff nurse stationed in Prince Rupert, in Cut Bank, in February 1945. They shared 62 years of marriage and five children together. Al was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and Deacon. He was also active in the men s group. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed his men s poker group of 15 years. He loved to travel, and shared his garden produces and fruit. Al loved sweets and never passed up a piece of pie or a bowl of ice cream. He was the happiest sharing time with his children and grandchildren. He was a loving, devoted father. Al was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Joan. He is survived by his children, Al and wife, Manon Hughes, of Libby, Tom Hughes of Kalispell, Joe Hughes of Superior, Kathy and husband, Brad Asher, of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Minette and husband, Dan Black, of Iowa City, Iowa; brother, Tom Minette, and wife, Tina, of Kalispell; sister-in-law, Jean Minette, of Big Timber; seven grandchildren, Colleen Asher of Boise, Idaho, Emily and Sarah Asher of Twin Falls, Michelle Owen of Seattle, Becky Nelson and husband, Tony, of Scottsdale, Ariz., Bryan Black of Iowa City, and Chelsea Sanderson and husband, Byron, of Libby; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Annis of Twin Falls, and Olivia Sanderson of Libby; and nieces and nephews, Rita, Bob and Susan Westermark, and Lori, Tim, Tom, Lena and Dani Minette. Visitation for Al will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Military services for Al will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Following, there will be a celebration of life service at noon at the First Presbyterian Church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Kalispell Veterans Food Pantry, 1527 Montana Hwy. 35, Kalispell, MT 59901. Friends may visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.