John Hughes

John Frederick Hughes departed this life at home on his ranch near Bartlesville, Oklahoma in the early morning hours of June 19, 2013. He had been battling cancer for the last several years. John was eighty, having been born to A.M. and Elsie Tyson Hughes, on May 16, 1933, in Bartlesville. John graduated from College High School in Bartlesville in 1951. He attended Oklahoma A&M (OSU), where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science in 1955. John was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and met his beloved wife, Lorna McLeod Hughes, while at OSU. John and Lorna were married the year following graduation. John returned to Osage County where he spent the rest of his life doing what he loved - ranching. John was legendary in the ranching industry and was recently awarded by Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin, the "Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture", and was inducted into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame. Among some of the many awards John received over his 58 year career in ranching were "Oklahoma's Outstanding Young Farmer-Rancher" in 1962, "Oklahoma Cattleman of the Year" in 1993 and BEEF Magazine and Elanco Animal Health's "Stocker Operator of the Year" in 2003. John served on numerous local, state and national boards and commissions, which included the Frank Phillips Foundation, Director of the Grand River Dam Authority, National Livestock Commission, Director of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and Director on the National Cattlemen's Association. He also served nearly 25 years on the Arvest Bank Board (formerly First National Bank). John leaves a legacy that has been described by some as larger than life. His passion for ranching was second only to his love for friends and family. John unselfishly shared his life with others, whether it be playing in the yard with his children for countless hours as they were growing up, or mentoring someone in the areas of brush control, beef production or being a steward of the land. John was known for his incredible memory and will be missed for his legendary story telling ability. John is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 57 years, Lorna M. Hughes. He is also survived by one sister, Anna Marie Sellers, of Tulsa, one brother, Robert S. Hughes, of Orlando, Florida, and was preceded in death by his sister, Sara Horne, of Salt Lake City. John leaves four children, daughter Mary Hughes Hudson and her husband Rob Hudson of Guthrie, daughter Jane Hughes Kirkpatrick and her husband Dr. Steve Kirkpatrick of Bartlesville, son Robert S. Hughes II and his wife Mia Hughes of Bartlesville, and daughter Sally Hughes Trentman and her husband Kent Trentman of Pawhuska. John had thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Those wishing to make donations may do so to the OSU Foundation for Animal Science Dept. 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, Ok. 74074, or to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation EE Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1869, Lexington, Va. 24450.

Service Details

Monday, June 24th, 2013 2:00pm, First Baptist Church - Bartlesville