Death finally claimed Lee M. Hughson, 76, of rural Mitchell, which is a testament to how he lived his life, with a never give up attitude! His memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Mitchell with Pastor Chris Kester-Beyer officiating. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Lee’s honor be made in care of the church. Online condolences may be made by viewing Lee’s memorial page at www.jones-mortuary.com. Jones Mortuary in Mitchell is entrusted with arrangements.
After graduating from Mitchell High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam.
Lee married Jenny Moore in December of 1966. They enjoyed 55 years together and were blessed with four children and 16 grandchildren. He had many passions in life. He loved roping, dancing, music and playing cards. Work always came first but he put as much effort into having fun. He truly loved rodeo and would help anyone who showed an interest. To his children, the rodeo practice pen felt as much like work as it did fun because he encouraged them to have his “grit your teeth” attitude. His generous heart and dedication to the sport spurred him to make sure that every kid had a horse to ride, a good haze or a calf to rope. He was a great mentor to the young in all areas of life whether in the arena or out. He wanted everyone who was willing to try to have a chance.
His family, ranch and cattle are what drove him. Lee was a dedicated steward of the land and a third-generation rancher on the Hughson Flying A Ranch, a Sioux County ranch established by his grandparents in 1906. The cows and ranch were always taken care of, but his willingness to start early and stay late ensured that he would always be available to watch his kids or grandkids in their activities.
He was well liked and admired in the community and beyond, much loved by many and will be greatly missed by his surviving family: His wife Jenny Moore Hughson; his children Amber Plasencio (Abel), Gordon Hughson (Tami), Tom Hughson (Rachel), Andee Symonds (Cliff); grandchildren Tyler, Hannah and John Plasencio, Rowdy (Kenzie), Emarie, Koryn, Cy Hughson, foster granddaughter Blanca Vicente, Beto “Pete” Hernandez, Marilu Vicente, Gentry Ochs, Frankie and TC Hughson, Matt, Clancey and Oran Symonds; sisters Judith Marlowe (Bob) of Boulder, CO, Daisy Eickhoff (Norman) of Tucson, AZ; aunts Joella Johnson of Mitchell and Dee Lamb of Beaver City, NE as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Marquis and Leora (Lukens) Hughson-Taylor and brother-in-law and sister Bob and Linda Ross.
