Dr. Frank Norman Hughes
October 30, 2015
Dr. Frank N. Hughes died Friday, October 30, 2015 at Arbor Springs West Des Moines, IA. Dr. Hughes was 88 years old. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the funeral service at 12 noon. Burial will be at Colo Cemetery in Colo, IA.
Frank was born May 19, 1927 to parents, Hugh and Jessie Hughes in Nora Springs, IA. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1945 and entered the Marine Corps in 1946. After military service, he attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and graduated from the Veterinary School of Medicine in 1955. Frank practiced as a large and small animal veterinarian in St. Charles, Humboldt, Hampton and Cherokee, and was Diagnostician for Ft. Dodge Labs in Ft. Dodge, IA for three years. The last several years of his career he was a federal veterinarian in meat inspection, serving as a Circuit Supervisor for USDA and was a member of IVMA, AVMA and NAFV. When Dr. Hughes retired, he was the Buena Vista County Veterans Service Officer in Storm Lake, IA.
Frank married Patricia Handsaker of Colo, IA in 1955. Together they raised three children. Patricia died of cancer in 1979. On February 14, 1981, he married Cheryll Mowen Swalwell of Clive, IA. The couple resided for fifteen years in Storm Lake, IA, then in 1997 moved to Sun Lakes, AZ for fifteen years, and in 2010 they relocated to Clive, IA and have been residents of Walnut Ridge Senior Retirement Home. Frank had a passion for reading, especially history; and loved music, especially opera.
His wife, Patricia; sister, Helen Hughes; daughter, Kathy Hughes Custer; and his father and mother preceded him in death. Frank is survived by his wife, Cheryll; children, Helen Hughes Lamote (Bob), Tom Hughes (Rosemary); son-in-law, Todd Custer (Mariko); sister, Joan Hughes; step-children, Rick Swalwell (Karen), Linda Garcia (José), Ron Swalwell (Ann), Randy Swalwell (Dave Waggoner) and Kim Swalwell (Teri Davisson); 5 grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Barrows Neurological Hydrocephalus, 1919 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
John Anderson
11/04/2015
So sorry to read of Frank's passing. I recall last seeing Frank at a coffee at Hy-Vee, shortly after we moved to West Des Moines. We also saw each other in Arizona. May God comfort all of you in these difficult times.
Jack and Ada Fields
11/03/2015
We have lost a friend from our Iowa
State days but we have so many great memories. Cheryll you have been a 'rock' for Frank this year May God be your 'rock' and give you comfort now.
Dean and Jan Harmon
11/02/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May all your good memories give you comfort..
PatTaylor
11/01/2015
My Deepest sympathy's to your family during this difficult time. God bless.. Pat Taylor and Family
Marianne Waldstein
11/01/2015
Dear Cheryll Our Prayers are answered so Frank did not have to suffer any longer.
I feel your sadness but lets remember all the wonderful times we had and Arne & Frank will be waiting for us and have many more laughs. God Bless You!
Sue and Hal Cowles
11/01/2015
Cheryll, Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. We know the past months have been difficult for you both but we know that Frank is at peace now. We pray you will find comfort from your Family, Friends and your Faith in the days ahead.
Keith T. Johnson, D.V.M.
11/01/2015
Our ISU Veterinary class of 1955 consisted of a "Band of Brothers" and the loss of one of our own is sadly felt by all of us.
Suzanne Bither
11/01/2015
Cheryll, it is with mixed emotions that I write this. Sadness for your loss but joy that Frank and Dick are in Heaven waiting for us. I recently heard a song "if you knew where I was you wouldn't be crying" but I still shed tears daily as will you. May you be comforted by our Savior during this difficult time.
Joyce & Harold Templeman
11/01/2015
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family, Cheryll. May you find comfort in your faith and the love and support of famiy and friends.
Gene & Bobbie Loverink
10/31/2015
We were so saddened by the passing of Frank. He was such a
dear friend. He will be missed by
many.
"Pode"&Elma Jean Waggoner
10/31/2015
Dear Cheryll and families, You all have our deepest sympathy. Frank and Cheryll were good friends of us. He will be missed by all as such a good man! Will send a memorial to Cheryll.