Cebert “Cy” W. Hughes of East Lansing, formerly of Chelsea, age 96, passed away on March 20, 2017.
Cy, as he was well known to all who knew him, was born on Sept. 27, 1920 in Wayne, MI.
He spent his childhood on a farm in Dixboro and graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1939.
He became a five-time Michigan Golden Glove Boxing Champion in the lightweight division before entering the Army in 1943. As a United States Army Ranger, he served in North Africa and later in Italy, where he was captured prisoner of war by the Germans on Sept. 13, 1943.
He was wounded two times in combat. After arriving in Germany with other captured soldiers, he was interned at Stolog 3B in Leubeck, Germany for two years until his liberation, which was aided by the English, in 1945. He was awarded several service medals, including two Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal, European Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
In 1945, Cy became a police officer for the City of Ann Arbor and served for 14 years, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He attended Michigan State University’s Arson School. After leaving the department, he continued working for the city assuming the position of manager of the Parking and Traffic Department, including their enforcement personnel.
After his retirement, Cy spent many hours together with his wife, Agnes, enjoying horse racing, bingo, going to the casino, woodworking, short trips and family activities. He enjoyed music of all types, especially country music, and reminisced about playing his guitar in the service and afterward in small bands around Ann Arbor.
His humor and jokes will be missed by many, especially his family.
A memorial service will be held on April 19, 2017, at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Chelsea, MI with the Rev. Stephen Ezop officiating. The family will receive friends at noon with a memorial service following shortly thereafter.
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