Robert King Hughes, of Stillwater, Okla., died Saturday July 16, 2022, at age 86. He was born July 8, 1936, in Memphis, TN to Charles Albert Hughes and Mary Elizabeth Robertson Hughes.
He was graduated from North Augusta, SC High School in 1954; The Citadel in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree n engineering; Oklahoma State University where he earned his master’s and Doctorate degrees in Civil Engineering in 1963 and 1973.
Upon leaving The Citadel, he entered the United States Army Corps of Engineers. His military education included Defense Intelligence School, Command and General Staff College, and Army War College. He served in and applied his engineering knowledge and expertise in several countries and arenas across the globe while in the army including Germany, Indonesia, Greenland, Israel and Vietnam. Bob earned the Legion of Merit, 3 Bronze Stars, 5 Air Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals and numerous others.
Robert truly enjoyed his time spent in the service of his country. He retired as a full Colonel in 1983 after serving as the Wilmington, NC District Engineer. Four days later, he became the Department Head of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering as a full professor at Oklahoma State University. He thoroughly enjoyed his time teaching, and his achievements and accolades were many. Bob’s fondest memories were of the many students he taught through the years and watching them achieve their goals. Most of all the time spent with the Concrete Canoe teams, traveling all over the United States encouraging their numerous wins and innovations.
He retired, again, in 2001. Took up golf, enjoyed taking cruises, making new friends, and his daily coffee group with the ‘guys’. Family beach vacations were a highlight. One large house so all could be under one roof. Only thing he didn’t care for was the water balloon fights!!
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary Hughes; first wife, Margaret Louise Wright and granddaughter Kathryn Ann Hughes.
Surviving him is his wife of 49 years Glenna Bennett Hughes of Stillwater, OK; their three children Robert K. Hughes II (Laura) Newnan, GA, Kathi Hughes Tatum (Alex), Griffin, GA and Tonya Hughes Quiver (Dave), Stillwater, OK. Also, his brother Richard W., Hughes (Sue) Lincolnton, GA; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
His memorial service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel, 610 S Duncan, Stillwater, OK with inurnment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Posted in: Strode Funeral and Cremation
Posted on: 2022-07-20
Link to original obituary: https://strodefh.com/book-of-memories/4978922/Hughes-Robert/index.php