Wayne Hughes

Wayne E. Hughes, age 85 of Cambridge Springs, died May 8, 2013 at his residence. He was born April 2, 1928 in Fallscreek, Pa, son of the late Victor W. Hughes and Ruby Wingrove Szymanek Hughes.

He served in the US Navy from 1945 to 1952. After discharge he graduated from Gannon University in 1956 with a degree in physics. He began a career with Westinghouse for several years then onto the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as an aerospace engineer, retiring after 28 years. Following his retirement from NASA he founded and operated The Lilac Farm in Cambridge Springs for more than 20 years with his wife, Millie, when, at that time, they also became the "weather watchers" for WJET.

Wayne was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mildred "Millie" L. Blakeslee Shearer Hughes on April 17, 2013, a step daughter Diania McLaughlin (Bob), step grandson Robbie McLaughlin, three step sons-in-law, Bob McLaughlin, Cary Loomis, and Bruce Palmer.

He is survived by a sister, Jackie Eisert of Erie, daughters, Kathy Riel (Ron) of Erie, Debbie Backus (Rick) of Rio, W.Va. and Cheryl Sickle, Maryland, step daughters and sons, Carol Loomis of Palm Harbor, Fla., Rosemary Palmer of New Port Richie, Fla., Donald Shearer (Laurie) of Cambridge Springs and Paul Shearer (Louise) of Waterford, six grandchildren, a great grandchild, fourteen step grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters in law.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family at Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. 602 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16502. A remembrance of Wayne and Millie will be held at the "Lilac Farm" this summer at a time to be announced.

Wayne and Millie's families wish to thank Jackie, Kim, Jenna, Jenny, Marie, Angela, Kara, and Pat, the caregivers who tended both of them lovingly during their illnesses, and Hospice of Crawford County.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Crawford County, Inc., 464 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335.