At the age of 18, Gary joined the United States Marine Corp, serving from 1969 to 1975. He was a machine gunner, serving during the Viet Nam War and received an Honorable Discharge at the end of his military career. Gary would continue to love the Marine Corp and his band of brothers for the rest of his life.

Following his departure from the military, Gary began working with his family on building houses and pouring concrete. This led to the beginning of a new career in the construction industry that would span over the next 30 years, including working for Overland Corporation as foreman, and Dolese Brothers as a Supervisor over the rock quarries until his retirement in 2013.

In 1990, Gary met Sue Adams and began their life together, raising their seven children. They later married on January 8, 1998, at their home in Sulphur, surrounded by family members.

Gary and Sue enjoyed spending the summers at the lake camping and boating with their children and family. He loved bow hunting, fishing, and golfing. He enjoyed riding his Harley on the weekends and spending time with his son Wendel working on vehicles and other machinery.

Gary loved working on various projects with family. He was not one to sit still.

He would admit that he was as stubborn as they came but he knew how he wanted things done. Anyone who knew him also knew he was as friendly and loving as they came. He took care of his family, neighbors, and members of his community. Whether it was helping a friend work on something, helping the community after the tornado damage, mowing his neighbor’s yards or just being there for anyone who needed help, he was always there and never wanted anything in return.

Gary passed away at home on June 23, 2026, with family by his side. Gary is survived by his wife, Sue Hughes; mother-in-law, Ethel Adams; his children, sons, Wendel Hughes and Amy Riley, Connor Hughes; daughters, Donna and Scott Chisholm, Stephanie Hughes Orr and Steve, Kristal Emery,Audrey Taylor, Jessica Emery; grandchildren, grandson, Ashton Hughes; granddaughter, Alissa and Jake Disivo; grandsons, Nathan Chisholm, Thomas Orr, Dylen Orr; granddaughters, Galexy Holmes, Russia Emery; Katelynn Taylor; grandsons, Hunter Putmon, and Lane Putman; granddaughter, Madison and Payton Tracey; grandsons, Joseph Jennings, Marcus Bowen, Cylus Williams; granddaughter, Trinity Emery; great-grandchildren, great-granddaughter, Zeppelin Chisholm, great-grandsons, Waylon Sullivon, and Johnny West Orr, and an upcoming great-granddaughter soon to be arriving; as well as one brother, Greg Hughes amd wife, Leelie.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell and Mildred Hughes; sister, Anna Hughes; brothers, Steve and Timmy Hughes; son, Bill Emery; grandson, Jayse Hughes; father-in-law, Don Adams; and best friend, Donnie Miller.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wendel Hughes, Scott Chisholm, Steve Orr, Greg Hughes, Steven Hughes, Steven L. Smith, Payton Tracey, and Jake Desivo.

Gary was down to earth and would want everyone coming to his service to be comfortable and to come as they are.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Oaklawn Cemetery, in Sulphur, .

Services are “entrusted to” HALE’S FUNERALHOME, of Sulphur. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.