Lance Clayton Hughey

Lance Clayton Hughey, 78, passed away at home in Littleton, Colorado on June 21, 2022. He was born on December 30, 1943 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Beulah Jean (Wilcoxen) and Linus C. Hughey. Lance was raised by Beulah and Ron Ashliman in Idalia and Denver. His dad, Ron, was a decorated veteran of World War II, and managed a fuel delivery business in the Idalia area where Lance grew up with his older brother Larry and younger sister Vicki. Lance attended elementary school in Idalia, continuing with school in Denver, and eventually graduating from Idalia High School.

Lance joined the Denver Fire Department on August 1, 1967. He was a highly valued firefighter and emergency responder, earning the respect of all he worked with. Regardless of the severity of the situation, Lance was one who could be counted upon to keep a level head and focus on the safety of those in need, as well as his fellow-firefighters. He worked in several of the busiest firehouses in Denver, including Station 1, where he trained for underwater rescue and was a member of the Denver Fire Department Drill Team, which competed in state-wide athletic events. He retired from the Fire Department in 1996.

Lance married Shirley Rhodes on October 6, 2009. They spent their years together in Littleton, CO and enjoyed spending time in Grand Lake and trips to Mexico, often traveling with Shirley's son Phil and daughter Lorri and their families.

He loved classic country music and his John Deere tractor collection. With his sharp sense of humor, crystal blue eyes, enviable mustache and cowboy style, Lance was movie star charming. He was resourceful, a loyal friend, a protective father and a mischievous teaser. Many joyful memories were made up in Grand Lake at the cabin he and his son Clay shared. Lance enjoyed hiking and fishing, and made the best pork green chile you ever tasted. He could be satisfied on just one meal a day yet always had room for ice cream or a butterscotch milkshake, salted caramel chocolates and black licorice were among his favorites. Lance felt a life-long connection to the past. He enjoyed reading about history, especially Civil War era battles and leaders (he was fascinated by General Custer and his last stand) and visiting historical sites, he was especially interested in reading headstones and exploring old cemeteries. Lance also enjoyed playing cribbage with friends young and old at the local pub.

He was very proud of his son Clay and his Navy career, which was inspired by Lance's dedication to the fire department and service to the community. He was a loving Grandpa to Mavis and George who brought him many giggles. There was a landline in their NY house that was their 'bat-phone' to Grandpa Lance and they loved those conversations when he would call to ask what they were up to and to compare weather between Denver and Saratoga Springs.

Lance was preceded in death by his parents, Linus, Ron and Beulah, brother Larry G. Hughey, sister Vicki L. Cox, and stepson Phillip Brown who passed away in March of 2021.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rhodes of Littleton, CO.; his brother-in-law Arrie Cox; his son CDR Clay (Julie Anne) Hughey USN of San Diego, CA; and stepdaughter Lorri (Mark) Smitley of Littleton, CO.

He is also survived by; grandchildren: Mavis and George Hughey of San Diego, CA; step-grandchildren: Chad Christofferson of Littleton, CO, Brian Christofferson of Littleton, CO and Alissa Christofferson (Sebastian Balparda) of Punta Cana, DR; nephew Tim Hughey of Grand Junction; Clay Hughey's mother Patricia Hughey of Denver, CO and the Snyder and Humphrey families of Scottsbluff, NE.

Family and friends are invited to gather on July 10 at 1pm at the Elks Club in Littleton Colorado for a memorial reception. And on July 12 at the Idalia Homestead Memorial from 11:30am - 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association IAFF Fill the Boot Campaign, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Lance's memory and in honor of his service to others.