MICHAEL HUGHES Obituary

MICHAEL HUGHES Michael Owen Hughes, 77, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025. Mike was born on May 2, 1948, in Pratt, Kansas, where he grew up and spent most of his life. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy before working as a mail carrier for several years. Later in life, he found joy in his work at Ace Hardware in Pratt, where he was known for his kindness and easygoing spirit. After retiring, he enjoyed quiet days at home with his beloved wife, Deana, and their dogs. Mike was a man of simple pleasures: a fresh cup of coffee at any hour, a stash of cookies or Little Debbie's nearby, and time spent laughing with his brothers. He was the oldest of four boys and deeply valued the bond he shared with each of them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Lou Bales and Eugene Owen Hughes; his younger brother, Randy Hughes; and his wife, Deana Hughes, who passed in 2021. He is survived by his daughters, Joley Riley (Shawn) of Wichita and Mollie Salzbrenner (Lane) of Wichita; his cherished grandchildren, Logan, Harry, and Simon; and his three younger brothers. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 22, at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby.