Samuel Hughson III

Samuel Joseph Hughson lll, son of Samuel and Bernadine Hughson, was born on June 7, 1947 in Kalamazoo Michigan. He had a pre-technology childhood filled with imagination and time outside, which he shared with his only brother Darrell Hughson. Sam’s family moved into a house on Dakota Avenue when he was just a young child. Sam called Dakota his lifelong home, as he spent his adult years in a house next door to his childhood home. Sam was able to build a three season room, which he stubbornly used year round, with the help of friends a few years ago. He spent many peaceful hours there enjoying the view of his childhood home, the breeze, the site of his rose bushes when they were in bloom, and the lights of his large Christmas display for the holiday season. Always an early riser, you could usually find Sam enjoying his morning coffee with his wife Marsha on their porch.

Sam’s parents modeled a strong work ethic that he picked up with little effort. He attended Portage Public Schools, played football for their team, played in the band, worked on cars, and still held a job to become self sufficient. Sam was a hard worker and earned the love and respect of his co-workers wherever he went. Born a loner by nature, Sam drew people to him without trying. His early jobs were in retail at Family Foods and a donut/pie shop. He used to critique moms pies because he was proud of the way he had learned to make them so well. He left that type of work to go to Borroughs manufacturing, where he worked with his father for many years. Sam worked hard and grew as a person, taking time out for some education, and eventually earned himself a management position. He was a good leader, as he respected his team, and never asked anything of them he wouldn’t do himself. He wasn’t afraid to say what he meant, so everyone knew what was expected of them. Sam was humble, and he rolled with the punches. He returned to retail, taking a job stocking shelves at Meijer, when it was time to leave Borroughs. It was no surprise that he repeated his rise to management there. Sam could do anything he set his mind to. He spent his last few years before retirement enjoying the freedom of being a merchandiser in the retail environment rather than being the boss and having all of the responsibility.

Sam’s qualities and interests held true throughout his life and built upon his early life experiences. He loved to go to parades and watch the bands play. He valued integrity and service to community. Sam spent time volunteering in the Kalamazoo County Sherriff Reserves with his brother Darrell. He liked police drama TV and suspense novels. His love of cars provided many opportunities for bonding with family and friends. Sam loved Street Rods, NASCAR, and all sorts of racing. He had fond memories of times spent at the race track on the pit crew and rooting for family and friends who drove. His love of football carried through as he supported his teams, Michigan State and the Detroit Lions. There was always fun to be had in sitting down with him and simply rooting for their opponent.

Sam had a sensitive side that he thought was subtle, but those who knew him saw it with clarity. Sam celebrated his 66th Birthday and 39th Anniversary with his wife Marsha last week. Marsha was his world and he loved her very much, although it may be argued that he loved his Brandy dog more. He loved sarcastic humor and laughed the most when those he loved would pick on him. He didn’t truly like a lot of people, but for those of us lucky enough to call him family or friend, he would do anything for us. This fact was most apparent when he was with his grandchildren, as his face would light up with pride for them.

Samuel Joseph Hughson lll passed away on the morning of June 11th, 2013 while surrounded by his friends and caretakers at his dialysis clinic. He had fought a multitude of health issues and was said to be in good spirits the morning of his passing. Sam was preceded in death by his parents Bernadine (Belkowski) and Samuel Hughson ll. He is survived by his wife Marsha Hughson; biological daughter Lisa Phillips (son-in-law Ken) ; step-daughter Valerie Maurer; grandchildren Stephen Maloney, Hailey Maurer, and Sierra Maurer; brother Darrell Hughson ( sister-in-law Deb); mother-in-law Joyce Pratt; brother-in-law Mike Pratt; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins . Sam was preceded in death by many beloved family members. Sam will never know how much he will be missed by a large family and many friends who loved him.

A graveside memorial will be held at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park (3941 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo MI 49008) on Friday June 14th at 10am for any family and friends who would like to pay their respects.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to honor Sam’s life held immediately after the service. It will be held at the VFW Post 1527 ( 1920 E. Kilgore, Portage MI 49002 )