Posted January 4, 2024
Donald Lewis Hughes passed away in his home in Weiser on December 26th, 2023.
Don was the third of twelve children born to Lloyd and Margaret (Owens) Huse. He grew up on a farm outside of Buhl, Idaho, belonging to the Goul family. Don’s family moved to Twin Falls in the summer of 1957. Don joined the Army in 1961 and became a marksman while stationed in California. He traveled along the west coast to shooting competitions for the Army with a group of fellow soldiers. He was shipped to Chinon, France where he finished out his Army career as an engineer, achieving SPE5 before being released in 1964. He moved back to Twin Falls and began working at a furniture company until the Chief of Police talked him into a life of public service.
He married Patty Eiselein in Elko, Nevada in 1966 and adopted her children, Terry and Cathy. Don’s first wife subsequently passed away from cancer in 1974. He then married Deborah Gardner and became a stepfather to Tara and Tracy. He was also very happy to add two biological children to their family: A daughter, Victoria, and a son, Donald Shayne. Don started a career at UPS, becoming a district manager and moving his family to Pocatello. After a divorce, he left UPS and went back into law enforcement in Jerome, Idaho to keep custody of his children, Vickie and Shayne.
Seeking a new life for his children, Don brought his family north to Weiser, along with his mother. His first friend in Weiser was Deputy Jim Nelson. They worked well together and backed each other in tough situations. He knew Jim always had his back and vice versa. They remained brothers in uniform but also became legal brothers and best friends after Don met Jim’s sister, Lorraine. Don and Lorraine were married in 1987, and Don became a stepfather to Jason and Kimberly Jones.
During his career with the Weiser Police Department, Don served with both professionalism and compassion. He was a natural-born mentor and always offered a listening ear and sound advice. As Sergeant, he was honored by the City Council with a plaque for saving the life of a man who had a heart attack while driving. Don became Chief of Police and ultimately retired from law enforcement. He then worked part-time jobs to stay active. His last job was with the Washington County transfer site in Midvale. He loved talking to people. He never really wanted to retire, but an injury from a fall caused him to give up his work life.
Don most loved being around family, whether it was holidays or birthdays or just everyday visits. He enjoyed car rides and road trips with his wife, Lorraine. He loved being a beloved Papa to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved caring for his dog, Bandit. There is nothing that can fill the void in our family and in our hearts, but we are so thankful for the time we had with him. He will live on in our stories and our cherished memories.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; his adopted daughter, Cathy; a daughter-in-law, Debbye Hughes; his two brothers, Lloyd from Tacoma and Ken from Roseburg, Oregon. His friend and brother, Jim Nelson, passed away in November of 2023. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, and children: Vickie Kuper, Jason Jones (Brook), Shayne Hughes, and Kimberly (Priyesh) Jones; his adopted son, Terry; twelve grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; sisters: Elizabeth Smith, Boise; Lori (Ron) Deal, Winston, OR; Glenda Wilder, Jerome, ID; Kayla (Sly) Gauthier, Boise; Kyline (Ron) Soller, Goessel, KS; and brothers: SA (Marty) Huse, Sherman, TX; Curtis (Colleen) Huse, Roseberg, OR; Guy (Cheyrl) Huse, Roseberg, Oregon; Robin Huse, Baldwinville, NY.
Don will be laid to rest at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise. A memorial is planned for April 11, 2024, at the Vendome in Weiser, Idaho; further details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Fruitland, Idaho.
