Roll Call Tribute

Ernie Cochran Hughes 

November 10, 1926 - September 2, 2023 

Funeral Services for Mr. Ernie C. Hughes, Jr. will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. 

Ernie C. Hughes, Jr. - "Pepa" - passed away peacefully of natural causes at age 96 on September 2, 2023, at his home in Henderson, Texas.

Ernie was born to Ernie Sr. and Hazel Hughes in Houston, Texas, on November 10, 1926.

As a young man, he attended Texas A&M University in College Station until he enlisted to serve in the Army Air Corps during WWII.

He met the love of his life, "Micki" Wilbanks at age 20. The two married on Valentine's Day, 1948, and went on to have 5 children. Sandra Joyce, Richard Wayne, Deborah Lynn, Robert Glenn, and Russell Craig.

After retiring from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, the two developed their acreage in the Piney Woods of Henderson, Texas. They spent 75 beautiful years together building their home, traveling the world, and making wonderful memories with their family.

Ernie was always fond of airplanes, whether as a pilot or passenger. His most beloved hobby was travel. He ventured to see the Seven Wonders of the World and stepped foot on every continent. He loved the old hymns, good coffee, and sitting on the front porch with his sweetheart.

Ernie was predeceased by his daughter Sandra Kitterman and his brother Benny Hughes. He is survived by his wife, Ethel 'Micki' Hughes; his children; Richard (Michelle) Hughes, Deborah (Hugh) Risher, Robert (Debbie) Hughes, Russell (Kaylyn) Hughes and son-in-law, Larry Kitterman. Grandchildren; Paul (Christi)Mock, Angela Kitterman, Krissy (Bobby) Underwood, Josh (Angel) Hughes, Jake (Jordyn) Hughes, Victoria (Richard) Schklair, Codi (Josh) Gosney, Ryan (Mike) Hughes, Lyndon (Charity) Hughes, Brittany (Rocky) Martinez, and Jocelyn and Matthew Hughes; his great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Julia and Samuel Mock, Lynley (Dayton) DeLeon and Collyn Underwood, Levi and Natalie Hughes, Alexandra and Emery Louise Schklair, Ellington Rose and Ezra Gosney, Jonah, Aurora, and Isaiah Hughes; his Great-great grandson, Lincoln DeLeon; his loving sisters, Darlene Farr and Betty Bennett; as well as a great host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.