Ben F. Hughes, 77, was born on August 9, 1948, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Ben A. and Martha (Coufal) Hughes and passed away unexpectedly in Seward on September 12, 2025. Ben grew up in Seward graduating in 1966. He attended Kearney State and Southeast Community College with a degree in Architectural Technology. He served two years in the Army, then lived in Colorado and Washington. He returned to Nebraska in the early '80s following the passing of his first wife.

Over the years, Ben worked a wide variety of jobs including as housepainter, firefighter, and as draftsman. He worked for the City of Seward before starting a long career in Human Resources at Hughes Brothers. The best part for Ben was time with his "guys"—Matt Stryson, John Hughes, and Ted Hughes—more like brothers than cousins. Daily lunches together continued even after he retired.

Ben and Carolyn began their life together in 1985, eventually marrying at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Seward on November 30, 2002. Becoming a Dad to Julie and later a Grandpa to Sadie and Jack was an unanticipated joy to him. They had his heart in a way he never thought possible.

Ben was creative and talented all his life—tinkering on vehicles, felling trees in the forests of Washington to build a log cabin, doing historical re-enacting, photography, building/repairing/riding bicycles (free of charge for kids), building and running model train layouts, and gardening (especially very hot peppers).  He was determined (sometimes stubbornly so) and willing to take on any project that Carolyn requested (not one, but two potting sheds, play equipment for the kids, and many house and garden projects). He was also an avid crossword puzzler.

He was a wonderful, caring, and funny guy. One of a kind. We are forever richer having shared this life with him.

Ben is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Julie (John) Owens, grandchildren Sadie and Jack of Seward, mother-in-law Elaine Vrana of Seward, brothers-in-law Verlon Vrana of Richmond, VA, Tim (Laura) Vrana of Columbus, IN, Jon (Mary) Vrana of Fairfax, VA, nieces Heather Vrana of Gainesville, FL, Maggie Vrana (Zachariah) of Chicago, IL, Anna Vrana of Fairfax, VA, nephew Tony Vrana (Zanne) of Durham, NC, and many cousins and friends.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Verlon K. (Tony) Vrana, and his first wife Carolee Claxton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seward Fire and Rescue.