Donald L. "Big Don" Hughes Jr., 65, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away suddenly in his home on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 5, 1958 to Donald L. and Betty (Hunyor) Hughes Sr. He graduated from Waite High School in 1977 and shortly after would marry his loving wife, Cindy (Ludlow) on May 4, 1979. Every day, he told his wife of forty-four years that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He was a crane operator at Material Science Corporation in Walbridge, Ohio, and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) Local #2068 Union President. Don was a very proud father, Marine Dad and papa, making sure to attend all of his children's various sporting events and activities during their younger years and continued to cheer them on as their families grew and their accomplishment became greater. Those that knew Donnie, would tell you he was very protective of his "baby girl", Chelsie and made sure his sons were her protectors as well. Don enjoyed vacationing with his family and friends down in Florida and later with his wife at various tropical destinations. Donnie never met a stranger, always able to spark up a conversation at the drop of a hat! He was the life of the party and had a smile and laugh that lit up any room! What Donnie cherished most, was his loving family who will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Cindy (Ludlow) Hughes; two sons, Donny (Kristin) and Justin; daughter, Chelsie (Sam) Gainey; and his five grandchildren: Skyla, Zarrah, Christian, Brynnleigh, and Camden along with his mother, Betty; two brothers, Danny and Ronnie; and four sisters, Cindy, Connie, Bonnie, and Lindy; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald L. Hughes Sr.

Friends and family may visit Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd., Oregon, OH, 43616 on Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on, Monday, January 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Expressions of sympathy in Donny's name may be directed to Waite High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 166927, Oregon, OH, 43616.