Homer Clinton Hughes was born March 2, 1829 in Erie Co., N.Y.  He came to Michigan in 1846 and settled on a farm in Gaines, Kent County, living there until 1850 when he removed to Prairieville, living 45 years on the old farm homestead, now occupied by his son Will; so dear to him was this old home that he requested his son never to sell it while he was alive, and when he was on his way to his last resting place he wished them to stop a few minutes at this old home.  The past few years his home has been in Plainwell.

Decedent was married to Mary C. Cooper December 16, 1848, who has been a loving helpmate to him for nearly 60 years and who is now left to mourn the loss of a most loving and devoted husband.  Five children were born to this union: Byron of Plainwell, Will of Prairieville, two dying in infancy and George their eldest son, who passed away Nov. 28, 1907, and whose death was such a shock to his father that he never fully recovered.

"Uncle Dick" as he was so familiarly known, was loved by all who knew him; he was a friend to everyone.  Few are gifted with his sympathetic nature that went out to share itself unstintedly with those in joy or sorrow.

He loved his children and grandchildren with a devotion almost sublime, and a shadow over their lives is cast because they will miss his fond and earnest care, and the sunshine of his face; but, not only will he be missed by his family but by his nephews and nieces whom he so earnestly loved as well as a large circle of friends.

he entered into rest March 5, 1908, surrounded by his loved ones.

A short service was held at the family home in Plainwell Saturday afternoon, March 7, Rev. Laity officiating, and at the home of W. D. Hughes Sunday afternoon, Rev L. O. Bostwick officiating.  Mrs. R. W. Richards and Mrs. C. Doolittle sang very sweetly, "Nearer my God to Thee," and "Bury Me Near the Old Home."  He was laid to rest in the Prairieville Cemetery where loving hands had covered the snow and ice of winter with the green and brightness of Spring, there to sleep until the morning cometh and the shadows flee away.
     We miss thee from thy place;
     A shadow o'er our life is cast;
     We miss the sunshine of thy face
     We miss the kind and willing hand,
     Thy fond and earnest care;
     Our home is dark without thee,
     We miss thee everywhere.
 

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General Notes (Wife)
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Mary Cooper was born Nov. 5, 1829 in Dutchess county N.Y.  Decedent came to Michigan in 1846 and settled on a farm in Gaines, Kent county, living there until 1850, when she removed to Prairieville, living 45 years on the old homestead, now occupied by her son, ill.  The remaining years of her life being spent in Plainwell.

She was united in marriage to Homer C Hughes December 16, 1848.  Five children were born to this union: Byron of Alamo, Will of Prairieville, George, the eldest son, died Nov. 28, 1907; Homer C Hughes, the father, passed away March 5, 1908, and now, the mother entered into rest, April 16, 1909, surrounded by her loved ones, at the age of 79 years, 5 months, and 11 days, thus making three deaths in this family circle in less than 17 mos.  She was a kind and loving mother, and will be greatly missed, not only by her children and grandchildren, but by a large circle of relatives and friends.

A brief service was held at the home in Plainwell, April 18 at 8:30 am, Rev.
Laity officiating, and at the home of her son Will, Rev. Bostwick officiating.
She was laid to rest next to her husband in Prairieville cemetery, and thus,
     The family chain is broken,
     The golden clasp is gone--
     No more to be united
     Except around the Throne.