Obituary of Thomas M. Hughes

Tom Hughes, 60, Professor of History at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, passed away on November 24th, 2022, at his home, with family and friends by his side. Tom was born in Princeton, New Jersey, to the late Governor and Mrs. Richard J. Hughes. He was the youngest of ten children and is survived by his wife Peggy, (formally Baxter/Thomas), stepdaughters: Christen Baxter, Jessica Baxter, and Brittany and Cody Watkins. Grandchildren; Winter Rose Watkins and Emmett Allen Watkins. Brothers; John (Claudia) Hughes, Mike Murphy, Pat Murphy, Brian (Pamela) Hughes. sisters Mary Hughes and Honey Hughes (David Patterson), and many nieces and nephews Tom spent many years teaching history at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In 2000, he moved to K.V.C.C. to continue his career as a history Professor. While teaching certain periods, he would dress as Henry VIII in full robe with props. Determined to bring History to life, Tom would sometimes sing old spirituals in class to complement his lessons. His favorite song to sing was a heartfelt rendition of “Old Man River”. Tom made friends wherever he went, had a wonderful sense of humor, and will be missed by the many people who were lucky enough to know him.