Hughes, Lonel J.

Lonel J. Hughes, 85, of Longview, stepped into the arms of God on October 10, 2006, 
at a local hospital. Lonel was born January 29, 1921, in Center, to John William and 
Lenora Elizabeth Hughes. Early in life, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air 
Force during World War II, and also participated in a test study for aspirin for the 
disease of arthritis. Lonel married Pearl Hensarling of San Augustine, on October 28, 
1947, starting their marriage in Lufkin. In 1955, Lonel moved with his family to 
Longview, where his accounting career began with Garrett Oil Tools/U.S. Industries/Axelson. 
After 12 years, he joined Hurwitz/Hart Schaffner & Marx as business manager of the 
Longview/Kilgore stores. In the mid-1960s, he joined six physicians at Medical Surgical 
Clinic as business manager. In 1971, his passion and career took him to Gregg/Harrison 
MH/MR Center as the first business manager. After 10 years, in 1981, five counties 
formed the Sabine Valley Center. He retired as comptroller after 18 years. He took 
pride in the Sabine Valley Center and the 35 years of accomplishments for East Texas 
residents. Lonel was a devoted member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church and former 
member of Mobberly Baptist Church, having served on many administrative committees. 
At his hospital bedside, he shared with his daughter, "Lonel J. Hughes, it's been a 
good life." He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pearl H. Hughes; daughter, Donna 
Hughes of Longview; nephews, Dr. Robert I. Hughes and wife, Barbara of Center, Dr. 
Len B. Hughes and wife, Ellen of Plano, Dr. Mack C. Hughes and wife, Kathy of Palestine, 
and Kenneth Kennedy and wife, Raye of Longview; brother-in-law, Louis Kennedy of Longview; 
niece-in-law, Sunny Hughes Parker of Hallsville; nine great-nieces and nephews; and a 
host of community friends. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2006, in the 
chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview, with the Reverend Tom Roberson officiating. 
Interment will follow in Rosewood Park Cemetery. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, 
memorial contributions be made to Oakland Heights Baptist Church, Capitol Growth Fund, 
Sabine Valley Center, or charity of choice. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. 
Friday evening, October 13, 2006, at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. A memorial guestbook 
may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 10/13/2006.