Mel was born August 15, 1943 in North Platte, NE., the son of Virgil and Frances Pilkington Hughes. Mel attended school in Brule, graduating from high school in 1961.

After attending the Grand Island School of Business Mel returned to Brule in

1962 and was employed at Virg's Cafe. In 1964 he joined the US Air Force.

In 1965 Mel married Sharon Young. The couple resided on the Larson AF Base, Moses Lake, WA where Mel was in the supplies department.

In 1967 Mel was transferred to the Frances E. Warren Air Base at Cheyenne, WY. He was discharged in 1968 and the family moved to Brule. Mel worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. Then in 1969 they moved to Ogallala.

In 1981 Mel and Sharon purchased Virg's Cafe in Brule and continued to operate it.

Mel was a member of the Brule St. Johns Lutheran Church. He was a past member of the Brule Lions Club and the Ogallala Elks Club.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors include his wife Sharon Hughes of Ogallala; two sons: Todd (Kristina) Hughes of Ogallala and Shane (Melissa) Hughes of North Platte.

Three brothers: Robert (Paula) Hughes of Brule; Stephen Hughes of Gretna, NE; and Kevin (Mary Lou) Hughes of Columbia, MO.
Also four grandchildren: Kara and Cody Hughes of Ogallala; & Colton and Jace Hughes of North Platte.

Visitation will be Friday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 19, at 1 p.m. in St. Johns Lutheran Church in Brule. Rev. Robert Pierce will officiate.

Interment in the Brule Cemetery with military honors by the Keith County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorials have been established to the Brule Cemetery and St. Johns Lutheran Church.