Leo Francis Hughes, age 97, Faucett, passed away Monday, December 8, 2014.

Leo was born on February 6, 1917, in Sioux City, Iowa to Richard and Anna (Swantz) Hughes.

Leo moved to this area after joining the service in 1941, where he was stationed at Rosecrans Field. He met and married Jessie Stanton in 1942.

He started his college career at Dakota Wesleyan, and then entered the service. He served in the Army during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1948. He subsequently graduated from NWMSU at Maryville, Mo., and taught all grades at Oak Hill and the old Woodbine School before settling in Agency, Mo. He taught there from 1950 until his retirement in 1982. At one time, he had the distinction of being the only male first grade teacher in Missouri.

Leo was a long time member of the Agency Christian Church, Buchanan County Democratic Club, and several professional teacher organizations including Missouri Retired Teachers Association. He was a member of the St. Joseph Council #9, and the Agency Lodge #10, Lions Club, the “74”s, the American Legion #359, and the International Association Legion of Honor, Hugh DePayne Community #4, Mitchell Chapter #13. For many years he was a Shriner, a member of High Twelve #49, and a Knight Templar High Priest.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jessie; and a sister, Marie Hammond.

He is survived by his son, Leo Stanton (Stan) Hughes and wife Joan, of Faucett; granddaughter, Chelsea (Jide) Obinegbo; great-granddaughter, Riha, all of Frisco, Texas; granddaughter, Dr. Ashley Curry of Chicago, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom he was very fond.

Services: 10 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2014, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment: Agency Cemetery, Agency, Mo.