Delbert Marvin Hughes

Delbert Marvin Hughes

Delbert lost his father in 1945 and from the age of 13 lived with his grandparents, Ivan and Elizabeth Hughes. He graduated from Challis High School in 1952 and attended college at Idaho State University where he majored in machinist operations. In 1952, Delbert married Beverly Giampedraglia. This union resulted in the birth of a daughter, Gladys (Hughes) Collins who resides in Boise, Idaho. Delbert and Beverly were amicably divorced in 1955.

After his divorce, Delbert decided to fulfill his military duty and therefore enlisted in the U. S. Army along with his very dear friend, Jay Horton. Delbert was awarded with First Place Marksmanship and was cited by his commanding officer for excellence and dedication in performing his duties in mapping and surveying for gunnery ordinance effectiveness. Delbert and Jay received honorable discharges from the army in July 1957.

Upon returning from military service, Delbert made two of his greatest decisions in life. He married Donna Horton of Challis in 1957, and purchased the ranch owned by his grandparents on which he had worked since the age of 13.

With help from a hard working family, Delbert developed a successful ranching operation, which he eventually leased to his son Ryan. The ranch has been in the Hughes family now for 90 years and Delbert hoped for the tradition to continue for another century. He was passionate about ranching and enjoyed his association with many ranchers in the valley. He felt fortunate to have the opportunity to raise his family on the beautiful ranch along the Salmon River, nine miles north of Challis; just as his grandparents had done. In a factual account, it is important to note that the genuine joy in Delbert’s life was Donna. He was determined to provide well for her and she worked alongside him in this effort.

Delbert served as President of the Morgan Creek Cattlemen’s Association from 1965 to 1982. He served as a board member of the Soil Conservation Service and of the Federal Land Bank.

Delbert was preceded in death by his father, Marvin George Hughes and his stepfather and mother, Lynn and Ilene Hempleman. He was also preceded in death by an infant grandson, Matthew Michael Hughes.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Donna (Horton) Hughes; sons, Marvin (Gloria) Hughes of Battle Mountain, Nevada, Ryan (Susana) Hughes of Challis, Idaho; and daughters Gladys Collins of Boise, Idaho, Shelly (Charles) Pace of North Bonneville, Washington and Brenda (Ken) Dizes of Challis. Other surviving family members are a brother, Lynn (Nell) Hughes of Twin Falls, Idaho and a half-brother, Charles Hempleman of Berkeley, California. Delbert is also survived by 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Friends and family attended services December 29 at the Challis Ward Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Graveside services followed immediately at the Challis Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion Phillip Kirk Post #109 and the Idaho Honor Guard. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Challis, Idaho.

The family requests that those wishing to contribute in Delbert’s memory donate to a charity of their choice or donate to the Challis Schools Vo-Ag or Music Departments which are favorite organizations of the Hughes family.

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