Ronald Ray Hughes, Sr., 66 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away with his family by his side at Great Plains Health in North Platte on Monday, February 16, 2015.

Ron was born May 3, 1948, the 13th child of Charles Francis and Maple Ellen (Rhoades) Hughes at Valentine, NE. The family came from White River, SD and Ron was their only child born in a hospital. He grew up and attended school in Valentine.

In 1966 Ron traveled to Wyoming to work in the oil fields. Here he met and married Beverly Oliver and they had a son, Donald Ray, who was born in March 1969. They later divorced.

Ron returned to Valentine in 1970 where he put up towers with his good friend, Johnny Jones, then worked in the Kansas oil fields in 1972. Ron married Linda Murray in 1975 and they had three children, Ronnie, Lena and Ryan. They later divorced.

Ron worked on ranches and was a skilled mason and cement worker for many years. He built many pieces of art in the Valentine area including the brick fence around Cedar Canyon and the sitting area at First National Bank. Ron also helped build the Jr. High in Mission, SD, Merritt Dam Road in the ’70’s, and in North Platte he helped build the first Wal-Mart and the Salvation Army. Ron’s specialty was in stone work, fire places and flower beds, and he had the fastest record for laying brick. His art was a talent.

Ron loved all sports and was very good at pitching horseshoes. He also enjoyed football, basketball, fishing and hunting, and had a love for the outdoors. He liked to play pool, snooker, cards and dice. His hobbies included leather tooling, wood burning, and picture frames. He had a special love for pictures, especially of his family, and always had his radio playing. Ron enjoyed his yard and flowers which included his many morning glories. He also had a big heart for all people and animals.

He is survived by his children, Ronnie Hughes, Jr. (Kristi Becker), of Sioux Falls, SD, and Lena (Joe) Askvig and Ryan (Jasi) Quick, of North Platte; two sisters, Dorothy Elasser, of Hot Springs, SD, and Pat Childress, of Lawrence, KS; his grandchildren, Serena Rose Marie, Victoria Elizabeth Ann, Rylynn Daniyelle Mae, Jaxon Patrick, Zaedyn James Ray and Kynzleigh JoEllen; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maple; and siblings, Calvin, Delano, David, Donald, Curt, Edward, Laura Mooney, Viola Brau, Luella Hughes and an infant.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Robin Storer officiating. Ron will be laid to rest in the Valentine Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.