Mr. Wesley E. Hughes Jr., a cherished father, grandfather, and fiancé, passed away at home in La Plata, Md. on Oct. 19, 2023. Born in Norfolk on Jan. 25, 1944, Wes was a devoted Hokie, career banker, pilot, golfer, and dedicated community volunteer.
He is survived by his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, Lisa, Justin, and Daphne Wilde of Towson, Md.; and long-term beloved fiancée, Esther Corpus; her daughters, Maricris and Michelle; and granddaughter, Madison.
Wes was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Eileen P. Hughes; son, Steven J. Hughes; and his parents, Wesley E. Hughes Sr. and Virginia Smith Hughes.
His life was marked by compassion and service.
Raised in Virginia Beach, Wes was an alumnus of Princess Anne High School, where he had many friends and honed his intellect and character. His journey continued at Virginia Tech, where he not only pursued academic excellence, but also found a home in the TEK fraternity. The bonds forged during both his high school and college years remained steadfast throughout his life through football games and formal and informal reunions.
Wes’s business degree started the professional path which led him to the world of banking. He served as the president of the Bank of Southern Maryland in La Plata for many years, where his commitment to financial stewardship touched countless lives. He believed that prosperity should be shared, and he worked tirelessly to uplift others. Nowhere was this more apparent than during his years serving as president of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, and his terms as president of the Blue Knights Football league and the La Plata Lions club.
Beyond the walls of the bank, Wes soared — quite literally as a private pilot. His love for flying knew no bounds, and he especially enjoyed flights with his daughter, Lisa, during her teenage years. Wes also used his plane and piloting skills to serve those in need. Ailing patients and rescued animals were common companions in his plane as he volunteered with Pilots and Paws and Patients Airlift Services to transport passengers to places where help awaited them.
Wes was a member and treasurer of the Patuxent QBs (Quiet Birdmen), an honorary aviation fraternity made up of mostly professional and military pilots worldwide. The most important requirement is “you must be a good guy,” and Wes had no problem meeting that requirement. QBs toast their departed with a silent toast to the west and Wes will be among those.
In recent years, Wes regularly soared across the Chesapeake Bay to Melfa, where he enjoyed golfing and attending events with Esther and fellow members of the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club.
Other times, Wes loved to head to Towson to spend time with his beloved granddaughter, Daphne. Her drawings covered his kitchen and photos of her filled his mantel.
Wes’s life was a tapestry woven with passion, adventure, fun, and unwavering commitment. Wesley Hughes touched countless hearts and his absence will be deeply felt by those who shared laughter, stories, and cherished moments with him.
May Wes’s final flight be one of peace and eternal life.
A memorial mass to honor Wes will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Imperial on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church, 25236 Coastal Blvd., Onley, VA 23418.
