Alva Hughes Jr., affectionately known as "Dude," was born on April 18, 1933, in Torch, Missouri, to Alva Lee Hughes and Mary Gertrude Sutton Hughes. He passed away at the age of 92 on January 8, 2026, at the Campbell Healthcare and Senior Living.

Alva married the love of his life, Patsy Ann Hatton, on December 17, 1955, in Hernando, Mississippi. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and deep love.

Alva proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. While stationed in Mojave, California, he worked as a cook and went on to serve as the head cook for the General, an accomplishment he was quietly proud of.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Mary Hughes; his six brothers and one sister, Frank, Bob, Betty Fort, Homer, Jackie, Jimmy, and Dennis; his beloved wife, Patsy Ann Hughes; and his son, Joey Hughes.

Alva leaves behind five daughters: Teresa Dye of Holcomb, Vita Hughes of Holcomb, Sharon Duncan of Portageville, Tracy Brooks (Robert Brooks) of Holcomb, and Shelia Conley of Piggott, Arkansas. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren.

An avid coon hunter, Alva shared a special bond with his dog, Patty, who was a State Champion in 1983 and 1984. Together, they earned numerous awards and trophies. Patty preceded him in death, but their memories and stories live on. Alva later retired from farming after many years of working alongside several local farmers.

Above all else, Alva dearly loved his children and grandchildren. He found joy in playing with them, teasing them, and keeping them on their toes. He was deeply caring, fiercely loyal, and—by his own proud reputation—an ornery old man who will be greatly missed.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Landess Funeral Home in Campbell, with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m., in the funeral chapel with Reverend David Mosby officiating.  Burial will follow at Stanfield Cemetery in Clarkton, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Zack Baker, Matt Culver, Michael Culver, Cody Culver, Chris Goodman, T.J. Howell, Homer Douglas Emmons, Cameron Conley and Chris Harrison.  Honorary Pallbearers will be James Latimer, Frankie Fincher, Dennis Brown, Leland Fincher and David Fincher.

Landess Funeral Home of Campbell will be in charge of the arrangements.