Obituary of Robert Dean Hughes

Robert Dean "Buster" Hughes, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday December 11, 2022 at his home with his family by his side. Robert was born on January 27, 1937, at Banner Elk Hospital. Robert and his wife Wanda married in 1968. Where they built a family and life in Boone, NC. Robert is known for his love of classic fast cars and has never known a stranger. He started off working at the Watauga Democrat and built his career delivering mail and packages to the wonderful people of Watauga County, as a well-known and loved mail carrier. Robert was preceded in death by his mother and father, William Lee Hughes Sr. and Margaret Phillips Hughes, his siblings Virginia Kelley, Margaret Fagan, Betsy Ray, Joan Greene, William Lee Hughes Jr, Phil Hughes, and Bud Hughes. He is survived by his wife Wanda Smith Hughes, his daughter Robin Hodges and her husband Jeff, his grandchildren Travis and Jennifer Hodges, Desiree Wayt, Valeree and Adam Lentz, and Adreea and Roger Walters. He is survived by his great-grandchildren Trenton Hodges, Victoria Lentz, Rylee Ward, Kaylee Lewis, Weston Walters, and Whitlee Walters. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Receiving of friends will take place on Sunday, December 18 at 1:00 pm at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home. Service to follow at Austin and Barnes at 2:00 pm with graveside service to follow at Mount Lawn Cemetery. The immediate family is very thankful for the love and support from their family, church family, and friends. A special thank you to Cyrus and Judy Parsons, and Amorem Hospice Team. Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made to Amorem Hospice or Rutherwood Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared with the Hughes family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hughes family.