- Born on: January 29, 1927
- Departed on: July 22, 2014
- Resided in: Robins, IA
Howard Grant Hughey
On Tuesday, July 22, Howard Grant Hughey, 87, of Robins, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2009 had recently been a resident of the Hiawatha Care Center.
Howard was born on January 29, 1927, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Horace and Elva Louese Hughey (DuBridge). He was named for his father’s twin, Howard (who had named his son Horace in tribute to his brother). Howard liked to joke that he was born to the right brother to be given what he thought was the better name.
Howard attended the University of Illinois and the Illinois Institute of Technology, both in Chicago, and the Naval Air Technical Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, earning degrees in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering. He also served in the Navy as an Aviation Electronic Technician’s Mate responsible for the repair and maintenance of radio, radar, and other electronic equipment. In the early 1970’s, his work experience took him to Armour-Dial, in Ft. Madison, Iowa. It was there that he met the love of his life, Eloise Norma Chism (Dickens). They married in 1975 when he was 48 years old. With the marriage he also gained a daughter, Karen.
Howard’s wife and daughter survive him, as do his son-in-law, Charles Gardner of Robins, Iowa, and two grandsons, Daniel Gardner of Robins and Benjamin Gardner of Iowa City. Howard and Eloise moved to the Cedar Rapids area when their first grandchild was born, building a home in Robins next door to their daughter and son-in-law.
Their house was a testament to their loves, filled with books, cats, and mementos of their international travels that they undertook both for pleasure and as FEMA volunteers. Their dining room table was usually covered with pieces of a large, partially completed jigsaw puzzle. Along with his pets and his reading, Howard also played golf and enjoyed household projects, especially building things. He was a keen investor and was able to retire at age 55.
No service is planned. Internment private.
Much accomplished, much loved, resting now.
Howard was born on January 29, 1927, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Horace and Elva Louese Hughey (DuBridge). He was named for his father’s twin, Howard (who had named his son Horace in tribute to his brother). Howard liked to joke that he was born to the right brother to be given what he thought was the better name.
Howard attended the University of Illinois and the Illinois Institute of Technology, both in Chicago, and the Naval Air Technical Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, earning degrees in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering. He also served in the Navy as an Aviation Electronic Technician’s Mate responsible for the repair and maintenance of radio, radar, and other electronic equipment. In the early 1970’s, his work experience took him to Armour-Dial, in Ft. Madison, Iowa. It was there that he met the love of his life, Eloise Norma Chism (Dickens). They married in 1975 when he was 48 years old. With the marriage he also gained a daughter, Karen.
Howard’s wife and daughter survive him, as do his son-in-law, Charles Gardner of Robins, Iowa, and two grandsons, Daniel Gardner of Robins and Benjamin Gardner of Iowa City. Howard and Eloise moved to the Cedar Rapids area when their first grandchild was born, building a home in Robins next door to their daughter and son-in-law.
Their house was a testament to their loves, filled with books, cats, and mementos of their international travels that they undertook both for pleasure and as FEMA volunteers. Their dining room table was usually covered with pieces of a large, partially completed jigsaw puzzle. Along with his pets and his reading, Howard also played golf and enjoyed household projects, especially building things. He was a keen investor and was able to retire at age 55.
No service is planned. Internment private.
Much accomplished, much loved, resting now.
