Obituary: Lawrence ‘Larry’ Leland Hughes, 94, The Dalles
Larry Hughes still fit neatly into his letterman sweater back in 2020 when CCCNews wrote a story about his Championship Football Season in 1947 with The Dalles High School.
Lawrence (Larry) Leland Hughes, a lifelong resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was born June 9, 1930, in The Dalles to Ray and Ethel Hughes.
Larry attended The Dalles High School, graduating in 1948. During that time, he was active in the Boy Scouts—earning the rank of Eagle Scout—as well as the fire brigade, honor society, senior class council, and the D-Club. He was also a member of the football team and was particularly proud of having served as captain of the 1947 Oregon State High School Championship team during his senior year.
Larry Hughes
Larry scored the first touchdown of the state championship game and helped lead his team to victory over the Hillsboro Spartans in front of 14,000 spectators.
Click here to read the CCCNews story of that championship team.
After graduation, he continued his education at Linfield College, where he met the love of his life, Lois Rae Shrode. They married on September 24, 1950, and spent 72 years building a life together until her passing in 2023. They made their home in The Dalles, raising son, Randall (Randy), and daughters Julia (Julie), Linda, and Nancy.
Larry joined the family business, Hughes Feed and Grain, eventually taking ownership in 1979. He and Lois ran the store together until retiring in 1990. Throughout his life, Larry was committed to serving the youth in his community—he was active in Sea Scouts and served as a Boy Scout leader for his son’s troop.
In retirement, Larry and Lois traveled the world, visiting places such as Greece, Egypt, Australia, and Mexico. They created lasting memories taking grandchildren on trips to Disneyland, enjoyed cruises, visited family in Alaska, and escaped the summer heat at Rockaway Beach and later Long Beach, Washington. One of Larry’s most treasured places was Lost Lake, near Mount Hood. Remarkably, for 94 consecutive summers—from infancy through his final year—he gathered there with family, building memories and sharing in the joy of the Pacific Northwest.
Larry had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, nature, history, and community. An avid woodworker, he crafted countless miniature wooden items in his shop and was well known for gifting handmade birdhouses to friends and neighbors. He spent many years hiking throughout the Columbia Gorge, collecting artifacts such as arrowheads and millstones. Recently, he donated his collection to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center so that others could enjoy and learn from it. He also remained actively involved in organizing high school reunions, helping classmates from The Dalles High School stay connected over the decades.
Larry is survived by his son, Randy (Sharon) Hughes of Post Falls, ID; daughters, Julie Peterson of Portland and Nancy Trapp of Oregon City; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Burch, of North Branford, CT; brother-in-law, Bud Shrode, of Post Falls; and six nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Lois; daughter, Linda Remington; son-in-law, Steve Trapp; brother-in-law, Rich Burch; sister-in-law, Barbara Shrode; and nephew, Andy Shrode.
Per Larry’s wishes, no service will be held. Those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to St. Peter’s Landmark or the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel (204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058). Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.
