Barry ‘Hawk’ Hughes
Breaux Bridge – A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021, at St. Bernard Catholic Church for Barry “Hawk” Hughes, 67, who passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at his residence.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and continued on Monday from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
A rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Father Blake Dubroc officiated at the Funeral Mass. The readers were Maxine Fleming and Becca Begnaud.
Barry “Hawk” Hughes was born on September 3, 1953, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Breaux Bridge High School – Class of 1971. Barry’s life from a very young age was not as easy as others, but he never let his affliction with Cerebral Palsy prevent him from enjoying life – he led a full and active life never missing anything.
He became a member of the Louisiana Cerebral Palsy sports team, in which he represented the United States in the Paraolympics in Barcelona, Spain. This organization allowed him to travel throughout the United States and abroad and from those affiliations he made lifelong friendships that he treasured.
Barry was an avid sports fan and his friends made sure he never missed watching any of the games with them. He treasured his friends and appreciated the many times they spent with him. As a pastime, Barry enjoyed going to the local coffee shop, playing Bingo – especially with the first graders from St. Bernard Elementary School, and he loved playing Boccia and Words with Friends.
Barry’s courage, caring and loving heart, and zest for life inspired us all to strive to be better individuals. Hawk touched the lives of everyone he encountered along his 67-year journey. He was loved by many and will be missed by an entire community.
He is survived by his two sisters, Susie Hughes and Kathy LeVasseur and husband, Donald, all of Breaux Bridge; niece, Wendy Vermeer of Breaux Bridge; great nephew, Nicholas Vermeer of Breaux Bridge; and great niece, Madeline Vermeer of Breaux Bridge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Amelie Nargassans Hughes; and brother, Richard “Rick” Hughes.
Pallbearers were Rollie Cantu, Jimmy Durio, Perry Usie, David “Backtrack” Berard, Keith “Lank” Guidry and Ray Robin.
Honorary pallbearers were Don LeVasseur, Club 220, and the Wheelchair Athletic Team.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support, and prayers during this time. They would also like to extend very special thanks to all of Hawk’s many caregivers. You provided him with compassionate and amazing care – you all know who you are, and we will be forever grateful for your attentive care given to him for so many years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hawk’s memory to St. Bernard School Library or St. Bernard Foundation, 251 E. Bridge St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, or to a charity of your choice.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge was in charge of arrangements.
Memories of Hawk
A new memory has been added to ones that I hold dear
It takes its place inside my heart with a love that brings me to tears
You were such a special person, loved by everyone you met
And your loving gift of friendship is one never to forget
Your family had an open door to all who called you friend
And the love we shared inside those walls will stay with us to the end
We shared memories at ball games and nights out on the town
Card games in the back room were the best that could be found
Late nights on the front porch were a special time for me
Sharing times with special friends, making timeless memories
We shared you with so many people that were part of Club 220
From saint to sinner, from rich to poor, the friendships made were many
Your outlook on life inspired us to do the best we could
You showed us how to ignore the bad and learn to find the good
You were loved, my friend and will always be, forever in our hearts
For time can’t stop the love we’ve shared, even though we’re far apart.
We love you, Hawk!!
–Ed Devillier 4/9/2021
(Pd.Adv.)