Several hundred people turned out to celebrate the life of former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Hughes Saturday. Hughes died last July at the age of 91. He continued to serve the town on two committees just months before he passed away.
Following a service at St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church, that drew several hundred people, a crowd gathered at The Mound House for a celebration.
Hughes was Mayor when the town purchased the Mound House, a project he was extremely proud to have a hand in. There’s a room at the Mound House dedicated to Hughes and his wife Ann.
Hughes’ daughter Dana Hughes Southard told Beach Talk Radio News that her family is so thankful to everyone that came to celebrate her Dad. “He would have loved seeing his family and friends all together honoring his life and contributions to the things he cared most about.”
Hughes’ oldest son Mike told the crowd gathered at the Mound House that he and his family were very grateful to everyone who had given so much to their father and in support of their family over the years. “Dad was very proud to be a part of the Town’s acquisition and the restoration of this important archeological and historic site. Thank you kindly to the town of FMB and especially Alison Giesen, and Ceil Spuhler, Ellen Vaughan, and all the Friends of the Mound House. God Bless to the many civic friends and colleagues that were so much a part of Dad’s life, including just to name a few, Mayors Ray Murphy, Anita Cereceda, and John Gucciardo. The collaborations and the kindnesses that they have given are truly immeasurable.”