Eugene Joseph Hughes

Eugene Joseph Hughes, 75, of Sun River, MT passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024.

A full military honors service will be held at Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery on March 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion in Helena, MT.

Gene was born December 1, 1948, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Eugene Albert Hughes and Margaret Ann Miller. He had five siblings, brother, Donald "Mike" Latham and sisters, Sharon Goodman, Doris Whitaker, Delores Ashby, and Ruth Murphy.

In 1968, after graduating from high school in Hulett, Wyoming, Gene entered the armed forces and served an incredible 28 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He served his country with pride, and throughout his career he served as a great mentor for many young men and women with whom he crossed paths.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gene found his love for farming and ranching. He bought some acreage and began building his place from the ground up. He took great pride in his ability to grow trees and that pride shines through as he successfully planted over 100.

Gene was a thrill seeker and as such, developed a love for rodeo and the sport of bull riding. He travelled countless miles across the U.S. to compete, and in his mind, no rodeo was too far away. Again, he was a mentor for the younger cowboys wanting to be bull riders. He always made time to talk with them and to help them "learn the ropes."

He enjoyed long horseback trips to the mountains where he would hunt bear, deer, and elk. Gene was also a pilot, and he logged many hours in his personal airplane. He also taught himself to play the guitar and he could carry a tune with the best of them. He helped other musicians realize their talents and eventually started the Badger Creek Band. He really was a do-it-all kind of cowboy.

Gene is survived by his three daughters, Codie Spence, Sheila Kilts, and Michelle Jensen; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and sister, Sharon.