Floyd Allen “Al” Hughes, Jr., age 75, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Helper, Utah.
Al was born on July 20, 1950, in Denver, Colorado to Floyd Allen Hughes, Sr. and Erla Kissinger Hughes.
Al attended Lincoln High School in Denver, Colorado and graduated with the class of 1968. He would then go on to attend the University of Colorado and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Al also served in the Wyoming National Guard Band from 1978-1984, where he primarily played the tuba and trombone.
He married Michelle Goldsmith on June 2, 1979, in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Al spent a career teaching music and band at Helper Junior High School in Helper, Utah, at Wind River High School in Riverton, Wyoming, and at Pawnee School in Grover, Colorado. He found so much meaning and joy sharing his love of music with countless students over his 37-year teaching career.
Al was a longtime member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Helper, Utah. Up until his death, Al spent many years directing the choir for Sunday services, participating with the Knights of Columbus, and serving in many other capacities.
Al participated in the Wind Symphony at the College of Eastern Utah. He played the tuba and trombone in various ensembles over the years and was recognized as a participant in oral history of music past and present in Carbon and Emery Counties. Al was active in many local community organizations such as Green Team, and Active Re-Entry, but especially loved spending time with the Castle Country Canyoneers during weekly coffee.
Al was proud to be a member of the International Brotherhood Motorcycle Campers where he rode his motorcycle across 49 states and six Canadian provinces. He even earned the prestigious “Iron Butt” award for riding his motorcycle over 1,500 miles in 36 hours.
When he wasn’t busy with all of his various social groups and community organizations, Al loved to spend time working in his garden; especially in his beloved apple orchard. He enjoyed harvesting the fruits that his trees produced to sell at the farmers market in the area. An avid outdoorsman, he loved riding motorcycles, camping, and fly fishing.
Survived by his wife, Michelle Goldsmith of Helper, Utah; daughter, Holly Hughes (Brianna Kalbfleisch) of Wahiawa, Hawaii; brother, Robert (Cindi) Hughes of Corpus Christi, Texas; sisters, Cheryl Dellinger of Gillette, Wyoming and Beverly Newton of Ft. Collins, Colorado; family by choice, Michael (Jessica) Glasson; grandson by choice, Lincoln Trip Glasson both of West Jordan, Utah; nieces and nephews, Jana (Kevin) Courter, John Lockhart, Todd Franklin, Allisa Franklin, Micheal Leech, and Brittany Beaty; and numerous cousins, fishing buddies, coffee friends, and motorcycle buddies.
Preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Allen Hughes, Sr. and Erla Kissinger Hughes; and nephew, Scott Franklin.
In lieu of flowers; contributions can be sent to Val Marietti at Marietti Monuments (45 West 100 North) in Price in memory of Al for the Helper Express Playground. A music scholarship in Mr. Hughes memory is pending at this time.
Funeral Service, Monday, November 3, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price. The family will receive friends from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Cremation Services to follow.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Al online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net