David Robert Hughes, 71, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Dave was the youngest of 5 children, born on August 2, 1951, in Butte, MT, to William T. and Velena Hughes.  He attended Sherman, Webster Garfield and Butte High School and then continued his education at Montana State University before enlisting in the Army from 1971-1974.  His work history also included the Anaconda Company, Staufer Chemical and he bartended at several locations in Butte as well as Wiseriver and Melrose.

On June 17, 1972, he married Lauri K Perusich at St. Johns Church in Butte, MT. They welcomed a daughter, Tisha in 1974 and a son, David in 1976.  They later divorced but remained friends until the time of his death.

Dave was a member of the Elks Lodge where he also bartended.  He was given the honor of Elk of the year award. He also played many years of Handball and won a Senior League State Championship.  Dave bartended at the East Side Athletic Club where he was also a member.

Some of Dave's favorite past times were hunting and fishing, which started at a very young age with his dad and brother in the Madison Valley. He passed on that legacy to his son, grandson and granddaughter. He also loved four wheeling, playing pool, handball and Old Ozzy slow-pitch softball for Maloney's Bar. The times spent with his grandchildren were treasured. Pictures of them filled his house, he was a very proud Papa.  He loved MSU football and the Chicago Bears.

Dave is survived by his Daughter and Son-in-Law, Tisha (Matt) McGinnis, his Son and Daughter-in-Law, David (Jessie) Hughes, his loyal companion, Ditch, sister's Janie Donahue, Dorothy (Rob) Robinson, Georgia (Jess) Maynard and brother, Bill Hughes. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Allie & Lexie Hughes and Colton McGinnis. Other surviving relatives include many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. He had a large loving family and there are just too many to list them all.

Dave had many lifelong friends, Dan Pressler, Butch Starin, Jim Driscoll, and Bob Fitzpatrick just to name a few.  He also had many special friends he met while bartending, far too many to list.  Just know he cherished your friendship deeply.

Relatives preceding in death include his parents, William T. and Velena Hughes, Uncle, David T Hughes, Brother-in-Law, Denny Perusich, Sister-in-Law, Linda Lockett, Nephew, Ralph Perusich, In-laws, Bill and Marge Perusich, Brother-in-Law, Mike Donahue and past loyal companions, Geraldine, Hugo & Sammy.

Dave's celebration of life will be held Wednesday, November 23 ^rd at Dugan Dolan Mortuary, 1805 Meadowlark Lane in Butte, MT, at 11:00am.  Following will be a reception at the East Side Athletic Club, 3200 Dexter St.

"Life is an adventure to be had, not a problem to be solved."

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Heart Association.