Dear Hughes family.
I would like to inform you that dad "Hüseyin Azmi Ateş" has passed away and is hopefully with him in afterlife.

Dad, Thinking of you on your 81st birthday. You left us so many great memories. I still try to emulate you by reading poems and scripture at the breakfast table. And I still listen to lots of 1940s music which always reminds me of the songs you and Mom would sing together. Most important, I try to pass on your knowledge of and appreciation for our noble democratic experiment that is the United States of America. Thanks for everything, Dad. Love, Jonathan

I miss you grandpa, I wish so much that I could share with you how things are going in life right now. I like to think that you would be happy seeing how far I have come and how hard I am working. When I actually applied myself I really was able to get through school and find a place where I can put my intelligence to use. I hope you are letting people win sometimes at speed scrabble up in heaven.

May 23, 2023
Oh Buster, it is so hard to think about our time together during our meetings in Kosciusko. I also remember the time when you and Ann visited us during my time as a patient at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. It seems like yesterday. So many memories and so lucky to have you as my friend. So many phone calls back and forth and now lost but will never be forgotten. I love you Buster Hughes and I will see you again.
Buster and I loved Kosciusko High School and the undefeated Kosciusko Whippets but I loved Buster Hughes more.
See you soon, Mr. KHS with Love. 
Alan Wallace, #84

Preston and I were classmates at USMA, WEST POINT "65 STRENGHTH AND DRIVE" class. We were cadets in the 2d Regiment and company mates during plebe and yearling years, so we occassionally had classes together. At graduation we were in the part  I went into the Infantry and Preston into the Artillery, so we never saw much of each other during our military service time. My memories of him when we were cadets were those of of person who was very likeable and great to have as a team member in whatever class endeavor we had the opportunity to participate in together. My memories of him always picture him as a kind and caring individual that you could call on to be your friend. He will be remembered in my prayers. I had previously posted a tribute at an earlier time.

Dear Ann,

I think we only met once when I was in Kosciusko on a visit. I can remember back when Preston (Buster) first came to Kosciusko school. We all had to get to know him at first but was excepted and admired through out his school career. We were grade school crossing guards as I remember and collected
cafeteria money in the morning in high school. As you know he was a great student in high school and a great person to be with in any activity. I guess you could say we grew up together. Even then he had a star like character even though he never put on any airs. My one trip overseas while he was in Turkey,
had tried to make a stop to see him, but my plane connections would not cooperate. I was in college and a very inexperienced traveler. At one of the reunions that I was able to make was delighted to hear of his trip back to Turkey with some of our classmates and their adventures. I still think of him often
but have been blessed to have known him. He definitely had leadership skills and I would have followed him were ever he lead as a friend. Anyone who knew Buster, knew he was a very special stand up guy. In my mind's ear, can just hear him say, "Well that's all folks"
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Shelley Joseph  

Preston as a patient, fellow Soldier, and friend memories still resonate with my family and me going back to our days in Germany at Landstuhl Army Region Medical Center. Preston had a huge impact on my family and life as well as success in the Army and beyond.  Happy Birthday to a great American and blessings always to his family. 

On the passing of the first year:

Tribute to Ann Hughes
World traveler, teacher, young Christian missionary to Austria.
Then you married “the best of the best”. I quote you and who would ever disagree.

You helped Preston always and then, during the heavy days of caring for him as he faced the most important and hardest days of his life, you were there 100% for him. He was blessed.

Dying of anything during 2020, the year of the pandemic, was a time when hospitals refused to allow family at the bedside. Preston’s heart had confidence in you and he left the hospital, coming home to die in the sanctity of his marriage, his family, and his home. 
What greater tribute to you can there be?

We love and appreciate you, Ann, not only for what you are, but for what Preston was when he was with you.

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

You will live in our hearts for always and a day Preston. So glad our paths crossed. My life is richer for having known you.

Missing you today, but thankful for all of the wonderful memories we share. And so thankful for this site; I have learned more about you and all of the people that you touched than I could ever have imagined!

As one of Preston’ fans, I have put a painted rock in his memory on the Aspiration Ridge Community trail in Bloomington (see pics in the Gallery)

With the help of other ICL members, we helped develop some 150 feet of the trail system.

I am one of ICL’s hike organizers/leaders and was flattered when Preston came on my very first ICL hike. I thought it was appropriate to dedicate part of the trail section we established to Preston.

Feel free to enjoy the trail, visit his rock and add your own painted rocks.

Dear Ann and family. I remember so many things that took place during a limited period of time. A few years at Kosciusko High School and his move back to Kosciusko. I still drive by that home in Kosciusko and remember my visit with you and Preston. That was the day that I told him that he was the guy that I admired more than anyone in the entire school. I still feel that same degree of admiration for him.There was always just something about him that was special.
After the move back to Utah, we still managed to get together with a yearly meeting in Kosciusko with Elton Wright, Charles Dew and Paul Cain. So many stories about the football games and the awful football practices. As for me, it was evident that Preston had a huge interest in teaching. You see, Buster just wanted all kids to be like him. What a wonderful example he presented to his family, friends, and The United States of America.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESTON HUGHES,
I LOVE YOU,
ALAN WALLACE

Happy Birthday, Preston! The times we shared are ever in our memories. We miss you. Our best to Ann and family, from our family.

Jerry and Evelyn Kaffka

Happy Birthday Preston. You are (will always be) one of the finest people I ever met. I only knew you from attending your class on Islam & had the pleasure of meeting your wife briefly at one of the ICL functions.
That was it, until I walked through your Gallery moments ago. Wow! I was so touched by so many of the photos, and feel I know you soooooo much better....... I am getting a lump in my throat just thinking of what it must have been like to be part of your family.

Although I enjoyed each & every photo in its own right, my favorite and the one that gave me the biggest smile was the one of you in the kitchen with all those luscious black mission figs. OMG. I wanted to reach into my iPad & grab a few.

My goodness you are missed! You are so very very missed.

Happy Birthday ❤️ Thinking of you

Happy Birthday Preston! Gloria and I think of you and your family as part of our family. When Joe Stallings passed recently at 91, we lost another part of our Turkey group. The year 2020 was a bad year because we lost you. Rest In Peace old friend.

Preston was highly valued friend and West Point classmate. Becky and I cherish trips to Turkey, card games, shared cruises, Army football games, and many other adventures enjoyed with Ann and Preston over the past 14 years. Preston was a great guy! A real networker who remained a true friend to almost everyone he met. A genuine Southern gentleman. His loss leaves a huge gap in our lives as neighbors in Southern Utah's Dixie.

Love this sweet family. How fortunate I was to be able to attend a prayer breakfast in Ankara Turkey, in the 1980s with this dynamic speaker--a man of God. Prayers and love during this difficult time. Ann, thinking of you!

Missy Klopfer

Dear Family,
I would like to express my condolences to each of you in the loss of Preston. His kindness, caring and friendliness has endeared him to me as it has to many others. It has been fun for me to stay with you in Santa Clara after all the years of you being so far away. Preston was always a gracious host to all of my family when we visited. And Ann, you of course were always the perfect hostess. I will miss his gentle ways and wonderful distinctive charming speech and good food. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and may God's comfort be with you at this time.  
                                 Love, Sherry Jagard                       
  

Dear Ann and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Preston. I enjoyed talking to him about Turkey, its history, culture and of course politics. You and he were so gracious a few years ago when our car broke down in Utah and we had to have it towed to St. George. Words can never express adequately what we feel during times like this, but please accept our deepest condolences.

I am so sorry to hear of Preston's passing. I met him through ICL and was so impressed by his genuineness, by his vast knowledge acquired over many years, and for his compassion toward people of all nations and cultural backgrounds. He has been an inspiration to me as I began my teaching at ICL. Preston, you will be deeply missed.

Dear Hughes Family,
We have been through so many thing together with Preston that his sudden departure was a little shock to me.
He had mentored me through a lot of life's hardships and shown the good side of many problems I (we) faced.
He will be missed
Arzu & YAlim

I was fortunate to take two of Preston Hughes classes at ICL. He was so knowledgeable and personable and made his classes interesting and informative. He was such an asset! He is missed. My condolences to the family.

I met Preston taking his class on Islam offered through ICL.

I admired his vast knowledge of the religion I was born into but never really practiced.

He was a wonderful instructor & made his class enjoyable as well as informative.

I am very sad at a loss many of us share with the family. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I will definitely miss him.

Preston was a kind person who had a wealth of experience and knowledge and was willing to share both with anyone. He taught several meetings in our subdivision regarding his experiences in Turkey and his insights regarding those experiences. Whenever his path and mine crossed while walking in our subdivision, he always had a cheery greeting and genuine smile. I hope we can all live lives that result in touching positively and helping so many of those whose paths we cross like Preston did! We will miss him and send our condolences to Ann, his family, and his many friends. 

Dear Ann, We were in deep sorrow to hear about the death of Preston.We were saddened to loose a special friend. Considering his intellectual capacity, his tolerance and always beşng ready to do good, it is obvious that was a real loss. He learned Turkish and he easily related to Turkish people, indicating one of his qualities. But we can do nothing. We loved him very much. Only thing we can do is to remember him and to continue hiş memory.
  We present our condolences.

Our family ( Aussie diplomats) were privileged to get to know Preston, Ann and the kids in Ankara some 30 years ago. Apart from his peerless personal qualities, which other contributors have so eloquently described, from that time I particularly recall his outstanding commencement address at the USAF George C Marshall High School, his command of Turkish - a very tall order for most Anglos - and a successful skirmish with cancer.
In 1997 my late wife and I had the pleasure of staying with the Hugheses at Kosciusko.
Since that time we had kept in touch by email up until earlier this month, indulging our shared interest in events in Turkey, Washington and elsewhere.
Highly esteemed and sadly missed.

Dear Mrs Hughes/Ann

We are thinking of you, Kathryn (Kappy), Carol, Jonathan and your entire extended family from here in Australia.

Sincere deep condolences on the passing of Mr Hughes/Preston- such a wonderful person and father who gave so much, and was a terrific role model to all around him. I still remember the ski trips to Uludag and all the happy times as kids over at your place in Cankaya eating icecream!

Wishing your family strength for this very difficult time. Mum (Sue Myongsook) passed away 7 years ago after a long illness (dementia/cancer) and while it was such a terrible time, it also brought the family together more than ever. And I'm sure it will do the same with your family.

Much love and hugs-
Anne, Stephen, Andrew and Don Witheford
Canberra, Australia 

Gloria and I have no words that can express our feelings of loss. Preston was perhaps the “goodest” person we ever knew and every memory we have of him, Ann and the family makes us smile. When we first moved to Turkey in 1978, he came over introduced himself and then helped us paint the house. Over the years since Preston has always been a giving and positive friend. He was a brother in arms and like a brother in our hearts. Ann, please accept our most sincere condolences for your and our loss.

Dear Ann,

In one of his last emails to me, Preston had written that you were his everything and I had replied that Suna is the same for me. I am sure you feel the same for him. We wish you strength and courage to continue.

In 1972 while I was a teacher at the Turkish Command and General Staff College in Istanbul, I became Preston's sponsor. That's how we met. In a short time, our families became friends and have remained so. Though I was in the Turkish Army and Preston in the US Army, our friendship lasted. May he rest in peace.

Azmi and Suna

I recall working at Rib Alley and serving the men from “The Club” each month. Mr. Hughes was very genuine and he always had a kind word in passing.
He & Ann enjoyed spearheading The Leap Center many years ago.
My husband Wes, thought very highly of him and they shared a few conversations over the years.
I remember how well manicured their lawn was and seeing them both outside from time to time.
My sympathies and prayers for Ann and his family as they grieve his passing. May The Lord bring hope and remembrance of forever memories.
Sincerely, Becky Rasberry

Preston was admired and loved by ICL members. He was a favorite instructor for ICL for many years. His generosity, intelligence and kindness will always be remembered.

Dear Ann and Family,

I had the distinct honor of having Preston as a colleague in our assignments to Turkey, but, more importantly, as a trusted and highly respected friend for 44 years. He was a person of absolute integrity, unflinching honesty and one of the most positive people I have ever known. I will treasure the memories of the time we spent together, through the years, highlighted by our adventures and the occasional misadventure, we shared as assistant attaches in the Defense Attache Office, U.S. Embassy, Ankara at the outset of our friendship. He was a dear friend. I will miss him. 

I am joined by Evelyn and our family in extending our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family as we remember the good times we have shared.

Jerry Kaffka

Dear Ann and Hughes Family:

It is with great sorrow that Heber and I learned of Preston's passing. He was an exceptional man. One of my earliest memories of him is when I was around nine years old in Kosciusko. He and my father, Tom Lacey, had reconnected and Preston demonstrated to my brothers and me how to throw an authentic Australian boomerang. Impressive indeed. How my father cherished his friendship with Preston. May God bless you all and grant Preston eternal rest.

Susan Lacey and Heber Vellon

Aunt Ann and family, we are sorry to hear of Uncle Preston's passing and hope that peace and comfort are yours. I will miss Uncle Preston's Country Gentleman manners. I remember him walking Great Aunt Lillian home after lunch. He saw to it that she made it home safe. He was always very kind and genuine. Aunt Ann, I miss the games of scrabble at Grandma Grimshaw's house (not that I won playing you and Uncle Preston--between the two of you I remember you as a dictionary and him as a thesaurus). Thank you for traveling to Enoch so often and visiting us and building family memories. We love you and hope that the peace of Lord will be with you now and always.

We were blessed to meet Preston and Ann through our family: Barry, Meltem and Ozan Wood in St George. The Hughes family reached out and welcomed the family when they moved to Utah from Istanbul. They continued to pay attention to them and invite all of us over when we visited over the past two years. We were last there in September 2019 when we met at Pine Valley for a visit with the Hughes and daughters and grandkids. Our condolences to the entire family. 

It is sad to see that Preston Hughes has passed to the other side so quickly. I was in the same regiment with Preston at West Point and we took a lot of classes and activities together. We graduated as Field Artillery officers and crossed paths at Fort sill. Then I heard he went into the US Foreign Service with many assignments to Turkey. Several years ago he and Ann moved to an area east of St. George, UT just north of us in Las Vegas. My wife Marilyn and I would stop by St. George at the local Cracker Barrel for brunch or dinner with them on our way up or down from Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls to visit our daughters. He was always in high spirits during those short visits. I also remember his deep faith in God and he is now up there rooting for us to join him.. God speed, Preston. See you on the other side.

“Preston”, I have been hearing this name from dad since I was a little kid, and , I remember, it was 30 years ago when I actually meet Preston and Ann in person. Uncle Preston has always been there since then, just like he had done before. He was the one who brought me and my sister ice cream when our tonsils were removed, doctor recommended ice cream for faster recovery and there was no ice cream available in winter in Turkey at the time. Thanksgiving, Christmas, they always involved my family whenever they can, and Uncle Preston was always there. I always tell, when asked, his influence on my arrival to USA and my fast adaptation to the culture is unprecedented. Him, and Hugheses, became a second family for me in USA....rest in peace Uncle Preston. I will always remember you, I will keep talking about you and tell your stories to my kids and my grand kids. Thank you for everything you did for myself and my family.

I had the pleasure and good fortune of meeting Preston about nine years ago. We became acquainted with each other through long, energetic and sometimes exhausting walks. Walks that were always accompanied with some good philosophical discussions about life, faith and family amongst others. Through these conversations Preston revealed himself as the honorable experienced, positive and erudite gentleman he was. I learned very fast to appreciate, value and enjoy his thoughts and his points of view.
I wish I would have met Preston earlier in life and it is with sadness and sorrow that I see him leaving us..
Preston will be truly missed.

Dear Hughes Family,

We are deeply saddened by your loss.

At the same time, we are very grateful for the wonderful memories we have of Preston. We will cherish these and he will continue to live in our hearts.

May his soul rest in peace.

Our condolences,

Elif, Jörn, Aylin and Timo 

Preston and I were friends and company mates in Company E-2 during our plebe and yearling years at USMA. I will always remember Preston for his "PERPTUAL POSITIVE ATTITUDE" towards life. Whenever I or anyone in our class was feeling down about something, he could immediately quote a passage from the Bible appropriate to to the situation to remind us that things were never as bad as they might seeem and to use our "STRENGTH AND DRIVE" to carry on. PAX VOBISUM AND BE THOU AT PEACE. Love and Prayers, ART AND TERRI MARK.

Preston's passing will be truly mourned by the myriad of friends and colleagues lucky enough to have shared a part of his life. He was a man of consummate skills and commitment to his community, to everything and everyone he loved. Dincer and I continue to remember the shared special family times in Turkey, our long conversations and trips together. Preston will live on in our rich and precious memories.

Dear Hughes Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Preston’s passing. I knew him through my Parents (Curt and Lennie Churchwell). My Dad was West Point Class of 65 as well... Preston was so kind to meet us at West Point several years ago when my Dad passed and was Interred there...such a kind and impressive man...keeping him and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Cindy (Churchwell) O’Donovan
College Station, Texas

Preston was a fellow Soldier, Veteran, Friend, Brother, and Patient who always took the time to discuss and demonstrate how we should try everyday and every way to make the world and our communities a better place. Now abide Faith, Hope, and Love, the greatest of these is Love!! Preston loved everyone and everyone loved him. 

Brother Elder Granger MD Major General US Army retired and Brenda W. Granger

It is hard to remember Preston without thinking of Ann. While I served as a school board member in Kosciusko, Ann seldom missed one of our meetings and she wasn't even on the Board! She listened and seldom spoke. She cared greatly about children - and still does. Preston cared, too. Preston was the consummate listener. Whenever you were around him you wanted to sit a little straighter, stand a bit taller and speak with accuracy. It helped to have references. 

On April 4 as I recovered from my Covid illness, Preston called to check on me. His concern ran deep and true. At that time he asked about LEAP, the ongoing Learning Enhancement program hosted by Kosciusko Education Foundation. LEAP was his brainchild and this tutoring program has saved many failing children. Preston and Ann were long-time volunteers at LEAP.

So this friend, mentor, teacher, husband, father, grandfather and soldier has moved on and he has amply challenged us to live better and do the most with our lives. Preston squeezed all the goodness out of God's kingdom that he could. I know he wants us to do the same. We are eternally grateful for his example of a life well-lived. 

Ann, It is so hard to lose a guy like my friend, Buster Hughes. During our high school years in Kosciusko, it was obvious to me that Buster was Special. As you know , after you and Buster moved to Kosciusko, I paid you a visit. I told Buster that I always thought that he was a great person. I really admired him for always acting in a very different manner than a typical high school student. He loved Kosciusko High School and the undefeated Kosciusko High School Whippets. As for me, I loved Preston Hughes, and I will never forget him.

I am so very sorry to learn of Preston’s passing. I was SO fortunate to take his absolutely fascinating Islam class at ICL—it was my very first class at ICL and he was such a great teacher. I enjoyed it immensely. My prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Preston. Our paths crossed several times throughout the years - from West Point and Ft Sill to our fairly recent trip to Turkey - and I never failed to be impressed by his love of live and people and his willingness to help however he could.

In the words of our Alma Mater

"And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run
May it be said "Well done"
Be thou at peace"

Well done, Preston. You will be missed.

I will always treasure my friendship with Preston. He made a big difference in the lives of many people, including mine. I had several opportunities to travel with Preston during visits to Turkey.  Each time I met Turkish friends of Preston.  It was clear that Preston was important in their lives.

Preston had a big impact on the town of Kosciusko, Mississippi. One of his important initiatives, after retiring from the Army, was the developing of the LEAP Center in downtown Kosciusko. This program has made a big difference in the lives of many young people growing up in that part of Mississippi. 

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. We are glad for his peace and will now pray for his family's comfort.
Rev. Ralph Clingan and congregation of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.