David Earl Hughes, 76, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away January 8, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on March 22, 1949, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Charles Thomas Hughes and Annie (Jones) Hughes.

   On May 28, 1976, David married the love of his life, Paula Marie (Flint) Hughes, of Eagleville, Missouri. Paula brought three little girls into their marriage—Lisa, Monica, and Lorinda—and David loved and raised them as his own. In 1980, they welcomed a son, Brian, completing their beautiful family. David and Paula shared 44 wonderful years together before Paula passed away in June 2020.

   David was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, serving with the 213th ASHC Black Cats (1969–1973). He worked as a district manager for Places, Aldi, and King & King Enterprises and later retired as a Behavioral Detection Officer at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). David most loved time with his family, especially his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

   He is survived by his children Lisa Mikel (Jay), Monica Gillenwater (Rocky), Lorinda Boyle (Eric), and Brian Hughes (Leesa); grandchildren Zach, Taylor (Spencer), Josh (Tessa), Jessica (Taylor), Steven (Jobeth), Sean (Joy), DJ (Halie), Dakota, Grace, and Mason; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and sisters Ruth Ann Hutcherson and Mary Wedlock (Steve)

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   He was preceded in death by his wife Paula (Flint) Hughes; his parents Charles and Annie (Jones) Hughes; brother-in-law Floyd Hutcherson; and nieces Laurie Hutcherson and Lisa Hutcherson Waterman.

   Graveside Services and Burial with Military Rites will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 15 in Miriam Cemetery, Bethany, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Thursday at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.