Derek Hughes Obituary

Derek Hughes was a real friend to me when he played for MSU. He was very popular and he could have easily blown me off but instead he became a close friend helping me through a difficult time with the loss of my father. I feel bad that i was not there for him before he passed. Miss you brother!!

My sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers for Derek's family. I am shocked and saddened to hear today of Derek's death. I remember Derek as an incredible talent and a star at BE but not too big to share a laugh now and then with a skinny unknown freshman. I still have a couple of newspaper clippings/photos of Derek & Steve O'Neill from BE days. He was so talented and yet just as friendly as could be. He made you feel good just because you had a chance to share a few minutes with him. Rest in peace Derek. We'll never forget you.

Derek was my best friend since third grade at Nativity when he and his family arrived from over seas. I just got the sad news today. He and I never lost touch from our visits together in Pittsburgh to Tampa and many more phone calls. We always tried to see each other when we were in the same town. I remember seeing him in Tampa when he was playing with the USFL preparing for a football game. He complained to me at his pregame dinner about how hard it was to catch balls thrown by his quarterback, the soon to be Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams from the Redskins. Derek would have been a star in any league. He was a brother to me and a life long friend. I only wish I could have seen him one more time before this tragedy. God bless his entire family.

What a shock to hear about Derek. I remember our years together at Nativity and BEHS. We spent many hours after class at Nativity working together on his studies. He was so eager to learn but those nuns just didn't get through tp him. His willingness to reach out and be a leader will always be remembered. Many may only remember him as the football star but I will also remember him as a friend and an inspiration. May God bless his family.
Kathy Machowski Rawlins

It is a huge shock to find out about Derek. I remember the times we had at BE. He was a true friend. I will always hold dear the times after the football games that we all shared in victory and in loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time in your journey of life.

Derek had a beautiful smile that I will always remember. My thoughts and prayers are with Derek and his family. May he rest in peace.

It was a real shock to hear that Derek had passed away. A friend and a teammate, who I will always remember. Derek, you will be missed. God bless the Hughes family.

My deepest sympathy to the Hughes family.

I really didn't know Derek personally, but I first met him at a recreation Track meet at Charleston SC (Stoney Field) in 1972. I knew he was going to be great football player.
I try to follow his career at BE and Michigan State.

I was surprised to hear about his passing, at this time you are in my thoughts and prayers, I just wanted to say that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, remember you keep him a live by remembering.

Melvin and Vanessa Collier (Mount Pleasant, SC)

My thoughts and prayers, are with you all during this time of sorrow. Derek will be missed. God Bless you.

Angel Feaster & Family

What a sad shock to hear of Derek's passing. He was always such a larger than life person. The thing I will always remember about him was not his unbelievable athletic talent but the way he made friends accross such diverse lines and always had a smile for everyone. He was a wonderful person. God Bless you Derek and your family.

When I saw Derek in 2003 for the first time since high school, it was like
we had never lost touch. His smile and voice I'll always remember even more than his talent on the playing fields. Love and prayers to his family.

I am saddened to hear about Derek's passing. I'll always remember Derek as a good man and a good friend to all. God bless his family in this time of sorrow.

It was a real pleasure to see Derek at our last BE reunion 5 years ago. I think Derek even mentioned that he may be interested in coaching the Bishops one day. That would have been great. Cindy mentioned this year's BE Class of '78 reunion. There will one empty chair at that reunion - with a # 42 on it. Thanks for the memories, and may God bless Derek and his family.

FROM MO. I KNOW YOU MADE IT ALL THE WAY AGAIN, MY FRIEND. ALL THE WAY TO HEAVEN DUDE. SAY HI TO MY DAD, OK? I LOVE YA FELLA.

Derek how you were my second father the one that told me that I could be anything in the world. You are the one that was patient enough to teach me when no one else would. I still remember watching your old football tapes of you and how accomplished you were in school and in the NFL. I remember playing in the rain and riding our bikes. Those 11 years you were in our lives will always be treasured. I Love You So Much I will always miss you and I will tell my son about the grandfather that he never got to meet. I will see you again. Until then I will always think of you and know that you are looking down on me.

I will continue to make you proud.

As a Bishop England High graduate of 1978, we were just talking about Derek Saturday night with plans to contact him about our upcoming reunion. You were a true football star at B.E. , Derek. I remember watching you sailing down the football field for so many touchdowns. You and your family will be in all of our thoughts and prayers.

Cindy Mullen Jett

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.