Michael Keith “BB” Hughes was born August 9, 1949 in Ontario, Oregon to Lyle and Dorothy Hughes. He joined two older sisters, Sharon and Carolyn and later became big brother to two more sisters, Mary and Judy. Being the only son in a house full of girls led to Mike’s advantage because he was always the special one. Mike passed away November 8, 2010 in Fort Stockton, Texas en route from Terlingua, Texas to Lockhart, Texas where he lived for the past 30 years.
Mike attended country school and graduated 8th grade in Ainsworth, Nebraska. He attended high school at Thomas County High School and graduated with the class of 1967. Many lifelong friendships were made during this time. Mike went on to further his education at Kearney State College and graduated in December 1971 with a BA in Education for History and Political Science. He completed his student teaching at Broken Bow High School. While in college, Mike’s interest in politics grew and he became involved in the Young Republicans Club, organizing a chapter in Thomas County where he officiated as President. In 1974, the Thomas County Chapter hosted the State Young Republican Convention in North Platte, Nebraska. Mike held many different state offices within the organization and went on to be the National Committeeman and attended the Republican National Convention.
Mike helped his father raise registered Hereford cattle on the 30 Ranch north of Thedford, Nebraska until he decided to explore more of the country than the Nebraska Sandhills. He moved to Lincoln, Nebraska for a brief period before relocating to Lockhart, Texas. Mike started his own business, M&M Flag Company, selling and installing flags and pennants all over the great state of Texas and Western Louisiana. Shortly thereafter, he, his brother-in-law Stan and his sister Mary started B&H Hog Farm, breeding, raising and selling show and feeder pigs. Mike’s love of farming and ranching along with Texas tradition revealed Mikes’ biggest gift- cooking chili. Mike “BB” became a founding member of Central Texas Tolbert Chili Group. Mike loved the camaraderie of his chili cooking family, he loved the competitions, and he loved to organize and win chili cook-offs. Anyone who had visited his home has seen the trophy collection evidencing BB’s passion for cooking. In 2007, BB realized the chili cook’s ultimate dream, winning the Original Terlingua International Championship 1st Place Chili- his crowning achievement.
BB may have lived in Texas, but his blood still ran Husker Red. He followed old friends and local events from his home in Nebraska and maintained a lifelong subscription to his local newspaper, the Thomas County Herald. He followed and supported the Nebraska Cornhuskers and frequently used the Husker Big Red theme for his chili cook-off showmanship events. BB’s final accomplishment was winning 1st place showmanship at the Terlingua International Championship on November 5, 2010 with “BB’s Big Red Chili and Beans”.
Mike “BB” Hughes was an intelligent, kind, and generous man. He was a loyal, fun-loving friend, always ready and willing to lend a hand, an ear or a shoulder. He was a joyful man that loved his friends, his family, and his community. He was passionate about cooking chili, country music, politics, Husker football, the Texas Rangers, and life.
He was a wonderful son, a beloved brother, a great uncle, and a fantastic friend. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Dorothy Hughes, and a niece, Jennifer Ferguson. He is survived by four sisters and brothers-in-law, Sherry and Mark Ferguson of Billings, Montana, Carol and Dave Hardesty of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mary Burrier of Lockhart, Texas, Judy and Sam Edelman of Central City, Nebraska, and Stan Burrier of Kyle, Texas as well as 16 nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
This mentor to many and friend to all will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 2:00 pm, McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 East Pecan, Lockhart, TX 78644.
