March 19, 1919 – Jan. 24, 2008
Joseph Preston Hughes was born on March 19, 1919 in Erin, TN, to John and Luvenia Hughes, one of 13 children. He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife, nine brothers, three sisters, three daughters (Charlesetta Hughes, Jacquelyn Rose Hughes-Falls and Lavelna Carolyn Hughes) and one son, Albritton Lee Hughes.
His family relocated to St. Louis, where he met and fell in love with Bonnie Levell Elmore. Raised in the Catholic Church, he followed her to Scruggs Memorial CME Church and later became a devout member. In May 1941, they were united in holy matrimony and to this union, seven children were born. In later years, he and his wife became associate members of Eastern Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Daniel Webster Hughes, his brother.
He attended Sumner High School, where he was a three-letterman. Upon graduation, Joseph went to Alabama State University. He played baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs and also played basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. During WWII, he drove for the Red Ball Express, hauling soldiers, supplies and ammunition to the front lines.
He served with the St. Louis Fire Department and fought diligently to help achieve equality and justice for black firefighters. As his health failed, the fire in his heart made him want to join with local firefighters in their fight against the injustice perpetuated against Fire Chief Sherman George and the black firefighters in the city of St. Louis. The flame expired on Jan. 24, 2008.
He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Jeanetta Ann Hughes-Nelson of St. Louis; two sons, Joseph P. Hughes Jr. and Tilton Daniel Hughes (Bonnie) of St. Louis; 10 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren, all of St. Louis; special friend Estelle Moore and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends.