Harold McClain Hughes, 76, left this life Thursday, August 20, 2015. He took his final journey to peace at Albert Lea Medical Center, in Minnesota, after a road trip with his daughter. A cowboy on an Arabian and a Native warrior on an Appaloosa gallantly escorted him into heaven. He left under his own terms.


Dad was born on a ranch in Stuart Town, W.Va on February 26, 1939 and spent his young adult life in Akron, OH, where he had his children. An aviation enthusiast, he and his daughters enjoyed going to Akron/Canton Airport to watch the jets take off and land; his youngest daughter always sitting on his shoulders and getting ice cream in his hair. He was a gifted auto mechanic and joined a stock car racing crew both as driver and mechanic. He was proud to have worked for Pinkerton Guard and spoke of it until his final days.


He lived most of his happiest days in Aladdin and Sundance WY. Dad loved the western way of life; the close community and rich history/culture. He especially respected and admired the lifestyle of the independent western cowboy and rancher. One of his proudest achievements was working on the Hutchinson Ranch in Aladdin. His hobbies were too many to list, but included visiting with others, hunting, reading, aviation, auto mechanics/restoration, HO model trains and prospecting. He was a self-taught geologist.


He leaves his family legacy: brothers, Gerald of Akron, OH, and Donald of Cincinnati, OH; daughters, Dolly J. Townsend of Akron, OH, Donna M. Hughes of Clarksburg, WVa., Diane D. Hughes of North Branch, MN, and Donna Hughes of Akron OH; grandchildren, James E. "Buddy" Finch, Arthur E. "Arty" Finch, Barbara J. Horner, Brittany M. Horner, Frank E. Richard Horner, Joyce L. Horner of W.Va. Brandy M. Townsend, Mark S. Townsend Jr., Levi H. Hughes, Cassie L. (Townsend) Radford, Deserae D. Townsend of OH; 15 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Thomas, Tammy, Tim and Jason, all of OH; Dorothy J. (Murray) Hughes-Lorkowski, former wife and lifelong friend and lifelong friends, David Murray and John Erslan. His second marriage to Lois (Blakeman) Beasley gave him the honor of being stepfather to Sherry Vickers, Laree (Rocky) Feddersen, Vicky Williams, Tammy Cookston. He spoke affectionately and often of his second family. He also leaves behind his very best pal, Missy (dog), who is being fostered in St Paul, MN and many friends of Sundance and Aladdin area, whom he also considered family.

He is preceded in death by parents, Howard and Audrey (Fowler) Hughes; and stepsons, Vaughn and Duane Beasley.

Finally, Dad's family would like to extend our profound gratitude to his care providers and friends, including Crook County Hospital staff, Sharon's Home Health, Green Mt. Estates and the Rescue Squad/Law Enforcement of the area. The names are far too many to list, but here are a few: Robin, Heide, Jamie, Vicki, Doc Noback, Doc Walsh, Marlene, Lila, Bob, Janet, Mary, Mel, Wayne, John, Jim and Pearl Jensen, Rick and Judy Brengle and Guy. You were ALL his friends and you helped him preserve his dignity and independence. You helped him live out his life at the foot of his beloved Sundance Mt. and Devil's Tower...the way he always wanted. His Eastern family will always feel love and gratitude toward each and every one of you...his Western family. A warm thank you to the care team at Albert Lea Medical Center for their exemplary care of Dad during his final day.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel in Sundance. Burial will follow at Green Mountain Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com