Bruce Hughey

Bruce Hughey, 98, a devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on March 8, 2026 . He was born July 12, 1927 in Indiana and grew up on a farm during the Great Depression. He resided in San Dimas, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, CA.

Bruce came from a Scotch-Irish and English family whose ancestors first settled in South Carolina after arriving from Donegal, Ireland, later moving to Kentucky and southern Indiana. He was the fifth of ten children in a hardworking family. His father worked as a farmer and coal miner, and Bruce often recalled that although times were difficult, they always had enough to eat growing up on the farm.

Hard work was part of Dad's heritage. His grandfather served as a soldier in the Civil War, and his fourth great-grandfather fought in the Continental Army during the War for Independence.

Like many kids growing up during that time, Dad began working at a young age. At just 14 years old, he started picking tomatoes for a local canning factory. It was hard work, but it was the beginning of a lifetime of dedication and responsibility that would define him throughout his life.

Despite the hardships of the time, Dad remembered his childhood with great fondness. With so many siblings, there was always laughter, adventure, and plenty of stories to tell. Evenings were often spent gathered around the radio listening to the Grand Ole Opry, and later, as a teenager, he grew to enjoy the swing music of the day.

He loved the outdoors he spent many hours fishing and hunting squirrels, and he also had a bit of a mischievous streak. As a teenager, he sometimes rode toward the Kentucky border looking for a little adventure — and occasionally a bit of moonshine.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle around the country roads. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, he loved sharing stories of his adventures growing up in rural Indiana.

Bruce left high school early to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was stationed in Germany and met the love of his life, Maria. They married in 1948 and began their life together in Indiana, where they had two sons, Tim and Gary.

In the late 1950s, Bruce and Maria moved west to California along Route 66, where they made their home and welcomed their daughter, Heidi. Bruce worked many jobs to provide for his family before beginning a long career with the United States Post Office, from which he later retired.

Bruce and Maria shared 70 years of marriage. He will be remembered as a hardworking man with a warm heart, a great sense of humor, and a deep love for his family.

He often said to those leaving, “Take your time going, but hurry back.”

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.

Bruce is survived by his sons, Tim and Gary, daughter, Heidi, a grand-daughter and two great grand daughters.