Thomas Hughes, 63

Thomas Lee Hughes, age 63, of Leonidas, died Saturday March 5, 2011, at Thurston Woods in Sturgis.

He was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on March 9, 1947, the son of Samuel B. and Eddiess (Thomas) Hughes and was a lifetime resident of Leonidas. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1965 and had engaged in general farming. Thomas served as the Leonidas Township supervisor for over 20 years, and enjoyed working on and restoring old cars.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Pauline (Wheeler-France) Hughes of Leonidas; his mother, Eddiess Hughes of Leonidas; five children, Richard (Jeannie) France of Three Rivers, Kathy (George) Humphries of Jonesville, Paul (Melissa) France of Parma, Timothy France of Palm Coast, Fla., and daughter, Angela; 14 grandchildren; one brother, Edward (Cathy) Hughes of Three Rivers; four sisters, Joyce Hughes of Leonidas, Helen Hughes of Grand Ledge, Julia Hughes of Leonidas, and Pamela Landon of Kalamazoo; several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; and by his dog and travel companion, Shelby. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Hughes in 1970.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Evans of the New Beginnings Church officiating. A private interment will take place in Leonidas Cemetery followed by a gathering family and friends at the New Beginnings Church.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to either the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association. An online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com