BORN

1935

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Alexander Memorial Park

2200 Mesker Park Drive

Evansville, Indiana

DALLAS HUGHES Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 8, 2013.

Dallas G. Hughes, 77, went home to the Lord on April 6, 2013. Dallas was born in 1935 in Mt. Vernon Indiana to Dallas (Sr.) and Hazel Hughes.

He graduated from Evansville's old Central High School in 1954. Dallas began working with his father during World War II refinishing and selling used furniture, pianos and organs (at the time, no new furniture was being produced, as all raw materials went to the war effort). By the early 1950s, this business had metamorphasized into Dallas Music, a staple for Evansville musicians for the next 50 years. Many local musicians purchased their first guitar or bass from "Mr. Dallas," as he was known to his loyal customers, and many rock stars visited the shop before their shows at Robert's Stadium. Mr. Dallas was especially well known for giving fair trades on used equipment, and selling instruments on credit in the pre-credit card era. Dallas retired and closed the store in 2008, and has spent the past five years in "active retirement" buying, restoring, and selling guitars.

Dallas served in the National Guard for seven years just prior to the Viet Nam War. Dallas was a gentleman and a scholar, reading himself to sleep with encyclopedias as a young adult, and learning an assortment of trades by following workers around various downtown factories starting at the age of nine. He was also extremely inventive, building a fully functioning 7' tall robot named Tobor in 1964, an electronic tic-tac-toe machine in 1968, the world's first baby-monitor in 1966 (with a 150' cable, a professional microphone, and a small guitar amp), and a leaf-blowing cart in 1978 with a 5HP gasoline engine, which generated a strong enough air current to topple a man.

Dallas attended a number of local churches over the years, including Mill Road Baptist Church, East Gate Baptist Church, and United General Baptist Church. He never spoke much about religion, but Dallas held a strong Christian faith.

Dallas is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce (Philpot) Hughes, his son Dewayne (who followed his inventive nature to become a patent attorney) and his daughter-in-law Katerina, a practicing CPA who lovingly referred to him as "Dad." All three were present when Dallas took his final breath at 2:05 p.m. last Saturday. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, who provided the family with comfort and support at the end.

Funeral services for Dallas will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Pierre Funeral Home, Rev. Ken Raymes officiating. Entombment will take place in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street.

Family requests memorial contributions be made to the Evansville Rescue Mission.

Entombment: Alexander Memorial Park, Everlasting Peace Mausoleum, Section S, Crypt 43.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

October 5, 2013

Nick S

Pulled out one of my first basses recently, had that gold Dallas music sticker on it. Reminded me of the old store. Was a very cool place, and Dallas was a really nice guy. Was sad to see the shop go, and sad to see him go. His store was the embodiment of the mom n' pop music shop. One of the last of its breed, that was more about friendliness than the bottom line.
Towards the end of its run, the store got a little more sparse, guitar wise, but was always worth a stop in to talk to Dallas for a little bit. Ill never forget the pink panther blow up thing in the front window. Thanks for everything!

May 4, 2013

Dean Hamby

Joyce--

I have NEVER seen so many sincere condolances for anyone. Dallas was one of a kind and the world is a DARKER place with his passing. I will continue to PRAY for you and your family.

GODSPEED DALLAS and God bless and comfort you all.

BEEN THERE--DONE THAT--OUCH!!!!!!!!

Dean Hamby

April 12, 2013

Bob Becker

Back in 1972, when I was working at the Evansville Store downtown, I got to know Mr. Hughes from visiting his music store on a regular basis. I was a kid, but Dallas sold me 2 new amps and some other gear on credit which he financed himself. He believed in me. He came through for me and I for him. I made regular payments to him over the counter right there in the store. He was a big part of my ability to establish myself financially. Although we lost touch over the years he has always, always, been in my heart. He will remain there forever. I will never forget his kindness.

My deepest sympathy to his family. You, and the rest of us have lost a very fine man until we are re-united.

May God rest his soul and comfort you in your loss.

I'm sorry I didn't see this until this morning. I would have attended visitation and paid my respects in person had I known in time.

Very respectfully,
Bob Becker

April 11, 2013

Gordon Wilcher

I am saddened by the passing of "Mr Dallas" I was privaliged to have known him and work with him. In fact it was Mr Dallas" that took a chance on a dreamer and made it possible for me to have my business. His trust and advise made it possible for me to become a succesful business man. Thank you "Mr Dallas" for so sharing your wisdom, advise and spirt with me.R.I.P. my mentor.

April 11, 2013

Hank Starks

It is because of Mr Dallas that Owensboro Music is here today. We admired you as kids, and loved you as adults.We'll always remember you.

April 11, 2013

Jim Weightman

Joyce,Iam sorry for your loss just knowing that he home and at peace,also that you will see him again,you and your family will be in my though and prayers.

April 10, 2013

Gordon McKinley

He was a wonderful person. Always had a smile for everyone. I will miss him. He sold me alot of musical instruments and helped anytime I needed it.

April 10, 2013

Mrs. Joyce - my heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. It is so hard to let them go but knowing they are HOME makes each day a little brighter. Please listen to Guy Penrod's song - Knowing what I know about heaven. I listen to that song when I miss mom and it gives me peace. Mr. Dallas has great company in heaven and he is walking on those streets of gold. God Bless you sweet lady and I will keep you in my prayers.

Love - Amy Kerchief (Amy Peaugh)

April 10, 2013

Mark Mantel

Like many, I also bought my first bass and practice amp there in 1984 at age 14! The bass was a 4 string black Cortez and the amp a Westbury. Still have and use the amp! Spent lots of time in that shop down on the walkway for strings and other purchases. He was a cool cat and always willing to help a young musician out. Really helped me out with trying different strings and repairs. He was my google for gear, before google. A great man indeed. He will be missed. RIP Dallas.

April 9, 2013

Larry Grisham

He was one of Evansville's finest. He would have been a diamond anywhere he chose to live. A very gentle soul, always more than fair in trade and trust. We will all miss him deeply. God bless him and his family.

April 9, 2013

Joyce, So sorry to hear about Dallas. My heart goes out to you and DeWayne and his wife. God bless you and comfort you during these difficult days. Mindy Strong (Peaugh Family)

April 9, 2013

i bought basses guitars and amps and he was always willin to work with us its about the music smitty

April 9, 2013

Michael Ipock

I first went into Dallas Music when I was about 13 years old. Over the years I purchased numerous guitars,amps,and PA equipment. But the best times were when we just chatted about life, religion and music. Dallas always gave me a good deal. He was a fair man and I know that came from his belief in Jesus Christ. I too am a believer but I'll always remember the man I looked up to...Dallas.

April 9, 2013

John Holcomb

Dallas was one of the nicest human beings I have ever met. A gentle man with a quick wit, he was a great friend and benefactor to musicians in the tri-state area (and beyond) for years. Dallas, may God bless and keep you always...

April 9, 2013

Millard Tyrone Sprinkles

Dallas was a one of a kind. A kinder gentler soul one will never encounter. I recall dealings with him dating back to the late 60's. My dad and Dallas struck a deal where we could buy a Fender Super Reverb amplifier, with a down payment and pay it off over a few months. (no small feat and way before the credit card era referenced in his obit). I continued to patronize the store for a number of years.

Whenever I came back to town I'd always stop down on the walkway and chat with with him. I later found out he retired and closed the store.

The Evansville music community has lost a true patron. RIP Dallas Hughes. I will miss you.

April 9, 2013

david jost

I bought the first Ibanez guitar in Evansville from Dallas. Man those were the days. He even let me borrow...(mind you)...borrow an organ for one gig. He said I trust you and your dad, all I ask is to bring it to my house when you are through. Man he was great and I will miss him, as will everybody else. May you ROCK in peace.

April 9, 2013

Paul Blake

Countless times I remember spending my lunch breaks down at his shop talking music, current events, joking around, and bothering him with millions of questions about the vintage guitars hanging on the walls. Dallas was so kind and always took the time to talk to this punk kid that loved music. You will be missed, my friend...

April 9, 2013

Jim Gaines

I bought my first Fender bass from Mr. Dallas more years ago than I care to remember.
He was a true "musician's friend".
Deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends.

April 9, 2013

George Utley

I went through my teen years with Dallas at the hangout restaurant on main street. He built a beautiful custom car and was always willing to take people for a ride. He was a great guy.

April 9, 2013

Dave Waller

Dallas was one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. I spent many hours in that shop at 611 Main St. either talking about guitars, refinishing, or just yard work. Dallas was never in a hurry, and ALWAYS was the best guy to deal with on musical merchandise. I have told many a person there should be a plaque in front of the Ford Center that says "Former site of Dallas Music". I really miss you Dallas.

April 9, 2013

I bought my first set of drums from Dallas - Stewart -Blue Sparkle. Visited and chatted with him many times over the years. He was a great friendly guy and always had good advice. I missed him when the shop closed, only saw him out and about a couple times after that. Dallas will live on in the minds of thousands of people over generations. For Dallas, I say it is time to, "Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream. It is not dying. It is not dying." (Tomorrow Never Knows - Lennon/McCartney)

April 9, 2013

Matthew McGuyer

My Dad and I were frequent customers at Dallas. He called my Dad by his first name and Dad still called him Mr. Hughes. My first set if drums came from his store. What a guy. They just don't make gentlemen like Dallas anymore. Rest in peace old friend.

April 9, 2013

Dallas was an old friend in the 50s he was a one of a kind guy. I am sad. JACK SLOAT

April 9, 2013

I bought my first bass guitar from Dallas. He was easily the kindest and most fair man I've met in a long time.

April 9, 2013

Randy Boyd

Awesome guy, great friend.

April 9, 2013

doug utley

I spent a lot of time with dallas in the store and bought a lot of drum equipment from him. but more importantly I spent time just chatting with him about life-music-family I will miss him. my condolences to the family and friends.

April 9, 2013

Kathryn Schmitt - Jones

Dewayne and family. You have my deepest sympathy. God be with you all during this sad time. Kathryn

April 9, 2013

In the 60s and early 70s,I was a customer of Dallas in his main St Store many times.RIP Dallas Hughes!

April 9, 2013

Kumiko Wilkison

Mrs. Hughes, we are so very sorry for your loss. We personally know what you are going through as we are still in shock of our mother's passing. Dallas and you were so kind and helpful to our dad when mom passed and I know Dad would do anything to help or just offer a shoulder. You have or deepest sympathies and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. I'm just a few minutes from you. We are all thinking of you!

With warmest thoughts and sympathy,
Chris Wilkison and Kumiko Schafer Wilkison

April 9, 2013

Jon Rochner

Evansville has lost a wonderful man. I loved discussing the news of the day with Dallas. I lost touch with him after he shut down his music store. He always treated me with fairness and kindness. Much love to his wife and family...

April 9, 2013

Dean Hamby

To the Hughes family--

Sorry to see that Dallas has passed away. We both attended Mill Road Baptist Church for years and looked forward to seeing him at Diamond Flea Market, where my Wife, Alma Dean, hsd a booth for years.

Having buried my own 1st & 2nd Dear Wives, I do know how to and will PRAY for your family during this DIFFICULT time.

Godspeed Dallas and God bless and comfort you all.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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