Walter Howard Hughes (Walt)

Elk City, KS

1938, 784, Neodesha, KS, SCS-22,
1938-39, 762, Custer, F-12,

Walter Hughes' discharge papers were delivered to the CCC Museum of South Dakota on March 7, 2017 by his son, Lavon Hughes. According to Lavon his father indicated he had worked at Doran (Stockade Lake) and Harney Peak as well as other Black Hills areas. Walt was a truck driver and honorably discharged in September of 1939.

Walter "Walt" Howard Hughes, age 87, of Custer, died November 29, 2005, at the Custer Regional Senior Care in Custer, SD.

Walter was born in Elk City, Kansas, on May 9, 1918, to Elmer and Mae (Woodruff) Hughes. He served in the CCC's in the Black Hills, where he met his future wife, Leona Elsen. Walter married Leona Elsen on October 9, 1939, in York, Nebraska. They were long time residents of Custer, SD.

Walter was a gunner on an LST ship in the Navy. He served from May 1944 to January 1946. Walter was in many battles in the Pacific Theater. He was very proud to have served in the military.

Walter was an excellent carpenter and electrician for many years. He enjoyed collecting antique bottles and going to auctions.

Survivors include his son, LaVon (Candy) Hughes of Hill City, SD; daughter, Anna Mae Spencer of Sturgis, SD; grandchildren, Joey (Chuck) Carlson of Custer, SD; Jon (Suzanne) Hughes of Hill City, SD; Martin Spencer of Gillette, WY; nine great grandchildren and brother, Frank Hughes of Longton, KS.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Leona; parents; brother, Chester Hughes and sister, Juanita Crigger.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 2, 2005, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD, with Pastor William Savery officiating.

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