Clarence Homer Hughes

Clarence H. Hughes, 80, of Tekonsha Township, Burlington, died in the loving care of his family at his home on Wednesday night, October 21, 2020.
Clarence was born on October 29, 1939 in Newton Township to George Washington Hughes and Rose Marie (Spooner) Hughes. Clarence attended Union City Schools. He enlisted in and served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Clarence was married to Donna L. Herman on April 14, 1960 in Burlington. The couple have made their home in the Burlington-Union City area most of their lives where they raised their family and served their community. They did live for short times in St. Joseph and Detroit, as well as Texas.
He was a talented auto body man. Clarence owned and operated Tim's Body Shop located in Tekonsha from 1962 until 1982. He enjoyed a career with Coca Cola, first in Texas from 1983 to 1985 working in the company body shop repairing damaged Coca Cola vehicles. He transferred to St. Joe then to Detroit area to become a driver/representative, working on the east of the state living in the Detroit area from 1986 until 2002. He and Donna returned home, with Clarence and his brothers building their forever home in Tekonsha Township. He went to work for Denso in 2003 and retired in July 2009.
Even with the limited amount of extra time in his life because of his dedication to his family and his work, Clarence fulfilled a role as community servant also. He served with the Burlington Township Fire Department beginning in 1969 as a firefighter. He became Assistant Chief serving under his brother Leo Hughes when he served as chief, and then in 1977 was promoted to Chief. He served in that position until his retirement from the department to move to Texas in 1982.
He had a love for older farm tractors and was a member of the Calhoun County Yesteryear Association where he spent time with family and friends with the same love of restoring and competing with the old tractors that Clarence had. Clarence enjoyed restoring antique John Deere tractors, and he participated in the antique class tractor pull events with the help of all his family! His love for his hobby was infectious with his son-in-law Chris and daughter Tamy, and grandson Alex jumping on board with their own projects! When Clarence's hospice bed was positioned in the house it was by a window that Clarence could look out of and see where his family parked his beloved John Deere in their yard, which caused a smile!
Clarence, Donna, and Tamy were all cancer survivors, and they organized a fundraiser sponsored by Calhoun Yesteryear Association called "Driving For The Cure" that started in Marshall at the fair grounds and followed a route through the county ending up back at the fair ground. The first "Driving For The Cure" was held in 2011. At the Tenth Annual event this year they had 73 tractors participated. The family felt determined to continue the tradition for the love of our community even during these difficult times.
Surviving are his beloved wife Donna, daughter Tamy (Christopher) Woodward of Concord, son Bryan Hughes of Burlington, and grandchildren Cailen M. Woodward, Christopher Alexander "Alex" (Emily) Woodward, Alyssa L. (Jake) Ewing, Bryan Austin Hughes and Tyler Hunter Hughes; his brothers Leo (Carol) Hughes of Burlington, Robert Hughes of Burlington and Roger (Mary) Hughes of Tekonsha, his sister Shirley (Bruce) Chaffee of Burlington and nieces and nephews.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons Terry Hughes and Jerry Hughes; brothers Floyd Hughes, Lloyd Hughes: and sisters-in-law Wilma Hughes, and Pat Hughes.
Friends may call on Monday October 26, 2020 from 4:30pm-8pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N Marshall MI 49068 Funeral services celebrating Clarence's life will be held at 11am on Tuesday October 27, 2020 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall MI 49068 with Pastor Pete Payne and Pastor Brent Steel officiating. Friends and family will then process to Burlington Cemetery, with the final part of Clarence's last ride being on a farm wagon pulled by his own antique John Deere! The family suggests memorials to The Fountain Clinic, 111 N Jefferson Street #1, Marshall MI 49068 ( https://www.fountainclinic.org/fundraisers-donations/) . Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook https://www.kempffuneralhome.com