Travis Funeral Chapel

Hugh E. Self, 83, of Craig, Colorado, formerly of La Plata, Missouri, entered into his eternal rest on May 6, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Hugh was born on Christmas Day, 1927 in Green Castle, Missouri, the son of James Franklin and Diona Elizabeth (Schott) Self. On October 31, 1952 he was united in marriage to Shirley Elaine Chadwick in LaPlata, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Leslie, Glen, Lloyd, Junior, Bill; and one sister, Betty; two sisters-in-law, Louise and Ella Self; one brother-in-law, Norris Stackhouse; and his father- and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Marie Chadwick.

Hugh is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years; his son, Blaine; his son, Laine and wife Shirley; his daughter Diona and husband Mark Barber; his son, Leslie Chad; his adopted son, Bob and wife Lena Mounce; nine grandchildren: Tara Panevics; Kele and Brooklyn Barber; Amber Cooper; Jessie and Deja Blankenship; Liam, Jonathan James, and Galataya Mounce; four great grandchildren: Shay and Nathan Cooper; Tiyana Henry; and Jayah Craig; one brother, Garry and wife Anita; one sister-in-law, Mildred Self; and several nieces and nephews.

Losing his father at an early age, Hugh began work at the age of ten at Belt's Wool and Fur sewing burlap bags. He left home to work at Grumond Aircraft in Kansas City, sending money back to his mother to help support the family. He joined the Navy at seventeen and served his country in WWII aboard the USS Eldorado. He was honorably discharged in 1948 as a Quartermaster Third Class, he was awarded four medals: WWII victory, China Service, Navy Occupation, and the Good Conduct Medals.

After marriage he traveled to Colorado prospecting for uranium, finally settling in Craig. He worked for Heintz Plumbing for a short time and joined the Craig Police Department in 1962. He and Elaine also ran the Travotel Motel in Craig in the 1960s. Hugh was an honorable officer who loved helping and protecting his community. He served twenty years and was the first officer to retire from the Craig Police Department. He was recognized by the Colorado State Senate with an award by Senator Sam Zachem. He was a member of the Craig I.O.O.F. and the Craig Chapter of the VFW.

Hugh loved to hunt, fish, and go camping. He took pleasure in motorcycles, radio controlled airplanes, and wood working. He was always willing to help anyone with a problem or offer words of wisdom. He deeply loved his family and will be sadly missed by them all.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Travis Funeral Chapel, La Plata, Missouri. Gene Grear officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the La Plata Cemetery.