Robert Vincent Hughes, 81, formerly of Ardmore, Oklahoma, passed away on August 21, 2022, bathed in the love of family and friends and surrounded by music. He was born on November 10, 1940, to Drennen and Marjorie (Holmes) Hughes. He completed the family, joining older brother Roger.  As a young man, Robert and his brother Roger enjoyed many activities together. They rode horses, played many sports and participated in the Boy Scouts of America, where they both attained the rank of Eagle. An avid musician his entire life, Robert earned All-State Honors for both choir and band in high school, where he also was a sportsman of the year, earning letters in basketball and track. Robert graduated from Healdton High School in 1958 with Salutatorian honors. After high school Robert attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was Drum major for The Pride of Oklahoma for three years. He continued his education at the University of North Texas, where he studied vocal In 1963, Robert married Eleanor Ann Eden, of Tampa, FL, daughter of John and Charlotte Eden in Healdton, Oklahoma.

They moved to Dallas, where he pursued aRobert earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1965, and he served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969. In their married life, Robert and Eleanor were fixtures in the choirs of both the United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church and in the local community of Ardmore. They often sang solos and duets and participated in ensembles together. His brother Roger and wife Georgia Beth often joined them and completed a perfect quartet. Robert was an accomplished pianist and organist. He enjoyed playing tennis, rode bicycles, fished, and loved skiing on both snow and water. Professionally, Robert was a fellow in the Xi Psi Phi Dental Fraternity, Ontological Honor Society, President of the Arbuckle Dental Society, President of Oklahoma Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, as well as the Texas and Oklahoma Dental Associations. He practiced dentistry in Ardmore for more than 50 years before retiring and moving to Pottsboro, TX. On December 22, 2007, Robert married Donna Muldrew, therein joining their families.

Donna has 3 children, Jeff and Kenneth Muldrew and Alison Williams. Donna and Robert enjoyed attending sports activities and performances of their grandchildren. They were politically active and often went door to door campaigning for their preferred candidate. They had many happy years laughing and singing together and just enjoying each other’s company. Robert was a supportive father to children Brian Hughes of Oklahoma City, Michael Hughes and wife Ruby of Canyon, TX, Darrell Hughes and wife Kyle of Spring, TX, and Elizabeth Eden Etter of Taylor, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Eleanor Eden Hughes, and his parents, Marjorie and Drennen (D.H.) Hughes of Healdton, brother in law, John Eden of Kathleen, Georgia, and Sister-in-law, Georgia Beth Hughes, of Ardmore. In addition to his children, Robert is survived by his faithful and devoted wife Donna Muldrew Hughes, and his loving brother, Roger Hughes, Ardmore, and sister in law, Marsha Eden of Kathleen, GA. He is survived by 14 Grandchildren: Courteney Hughes of Yukon, Dawson and Carson Hughes of Oklahoma City, Aaron Hughes and wife Mariah of Lubbock, Seth Hughes of Canyon and Audrey Hughes of Pullman Washington, Hayden and Zachary Hughes of Austin, Hailey Munn and husband Brandon of Lakewood Washington, Harrison Hughes of Spring, Catherine Etter of Norman, Victoria Etter of Denton, and Hayden and Hadley Williams of Pottsboro. Great-grandchildren include Aubrey, Kyler and Grant Munn. Nieces and nephews include Kelley Segler, Kenneth Hughes, Kelly Laster and John Eden. Robert, a deacon, dedicated his life to Christian witness, communicating his faith via music. Even as his story neared its conclusion, Robert sang his favorite hymns almost every day with Roger, Donna, his children and grandchildren. Public visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 26, at Craddock Funeral Home, 525 South Commerce. The graveside service for family will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 27, followed by memorial service at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Alton Fannin. Honorary pallbearers are, Ron Graves, Roger Hughes, Mike Hackney, Garland Clay, Bill Jobe and Gene Thompson. Since both his beloved daughter and wife were touched by breast cancer, donations in Robert’s honor can be made to The Blessing Box Project. Checks can be made payable to and mailed to Dawn Compton, PO Box 646, Bellville, TX 77418. Donations can also be made via Venmo-@Dawn- Compton-6. Please memo Robert Hughes. For more information about The Blessing Box go to Blessingboxproject.com Do not mourn too long for me after you bear me along on this dark day, for I am no longer here. Do not visit memorials to me as you struggle with my absence, for I am not there. Do not miss the flesh and blood that was me as you seek a new normal, for now I reside in your hearts and minds. But Remember me when you hear beautiful music, or witness great craftsmanship, or venture out into God’s great creation. And know in your heart that I’m not sick, or hurting, that all has been restored, that I will see you all again one day.