By Deborah Larsen
Basil Neil Hughes
Basil Neil Hughes was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on June 18, 1926, the son of Andrew and Kate Robinson Hughes. Basil grew up on his parents’ farm in Addison Township and attended school in Oxford. The Hughes family moved to Rochester in 1943.
In July 1943, after turning 17, Basil entered the U.S. Navy. He was stationed aboard the destroyer USS Frank Knox. The Knox was deployed to the Pacific Theater, and Basil was involved in seven major engagements, including the battle for Saipan. Basil was discharged from military service in March 1946.
After the war, Basil married, started a family, and worked as an estimator for Tuffaloy Products.
Basil Neil Hughes died at age 77 on February 1, 2004, and was laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery.