Obituaries: Roger K. Hughes, Richard E. Kramer

Roger K. Hughes

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Funeral services took place last week for Roger K. Hughes, one of the owners of HOWS Markets and son of the founder of Hughes Markets. Hughes, 76, died earlier this month following a long battle with cancer. Hughes joined Hughes Markets in 1973 and was later chairman and chief executive officer of what grew to become a 58-store operation before it was sold in 1996 to Quality Food Centers, Seattle. In 1999 Hughes and three former executives — Mark Oerum, David Wolff and Steve Strickler — founded HOWS Markets, which currently operates four stores. Hughes also served as president of the Western Association of Food Chains in 1995, and he and his wife have donated scholarships to the association for the past several years. He is survived by his wife, Katharine, four children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Richard E. Kramer

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Memorial services were held last month for Dick Kramer, a former president of Fulmer Supermarkets and longtime supporter of the Ohio Grocers Association. He was 75. He retired in August 1998 after 43 years with Fulmer Supermarkets, including 25 years as president and chief executive officer. Kramer was a past board member of the OGA and past chairman of the Ohio Grocers Foundation. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, three daughters and one brother.