Lamars Vernon Hughes

Lamars V. Hughes of Westwood, Massachusetts, a dedicated officer of the Wellesley Police Department, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2023, at the age of 58. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, where he lived for 32 years before moving to Westwood, Massachusetts, Lamars was educated in the Boston Public Schools system, graduating from South Boston High School. During the mid-to-late 1970s, the Boston Public School system was under court order to desegregate its schools. Raucous, violent protests and riots in South Boston against desegregation dominated the nightly broadcast news programs across America. No doubt being a high school student during the desegregation years in Boston helped shape Lamars’ composed, competent, and compassionate character. After completing high school in 1983, Lamars was recruited to play basketball at Husson University. He later attended the Waltham Police Academy in 1994 and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. In 2006, Lamars married Angeila (Burden), a union that resulted in a blended family of five children, Andre, LaTonia, Christina, Anthony, Tayla, and Terrence.

Lamars joined the Wellesley Police Department in 1994 as a Patrolman later becoming a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and the Fugitive Apprehension Unit. Lamars was the first Black officer hired by the Wellesley Police Department and celebrated 29 years of service with the department. Esteemed as a respected colleague and valued member of the force, Lamars unwavering commitment to public safety earned him admiration and respect. He was held in high esteem by his colleagues, who regarded him as a trusted and respected member of the force. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to upholding the principles of law and order earned him the admiration and respect of his peers. Lamars was not only a dedicated officer, but also a team player who fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity within the department.

Lamars leaves behind a legacy of service, commitment, and camaraderie that will be remembered for years to come. Throughout his career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication to his duty and a strong commitment to public safety. A lifetime member of National Organization of Black Law Enforcers (NOBLE), Lamars loved his work as a police officer in the Wellesley community. His community held him in high regard, recognizing his exceptional work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve them. He was a trusted friend, mentor, and protector. He built strong relationships within the community, earning the trust and respect of those he served. His impact extended far beyond his role as an officer, leaving a lasting impression on the lives he touched.

Lamars loved spending time with family, which included hosting BBQs and other gatherings at both his home in Westwood, MA and in West Palm Beach, Florida. He also loved traveling, golfing, and sporting events—a proud Celtics and Dolphin’s fan he held season tickets to both. All of this he enjoyed with his best friend and the love of his life, Angeila. Lamars loved life—he was supportive, friendly, down-to-earth, and commanded respect. He is remembered for being wise, loyal, generous, kind, giving, and was loved by all who met him. Lamars was a gentleman. He will not be forgotten.

Lamars is preceded in death by his father, Earnest Hughes, Sr., stepfather, Paul L. Johnson and stepbrother Ricky Dixson. He leaves behind his loving wife Angeila Hughes. Children, Andre L. Hughes, LaTonia M. Daigle (David), Christina R. Emile (Robert), Anthony D. Burden (Sarah), Tayla M. Allen, and Terrence K. Harris-Hughes. Grandchildren, Isabella L. Gomes, Cameron D. Daigle, Jaxon B. Daigle, Myles R. Burden, and Azari M. Burks. Mother, Melverine Johnson and her partner Horace. Siblings, Ernest L. Hughes (Lillian), Vanessa Scott (Ernest), Paulette Robinson (Michael), Patelyn Dixson, Paul Johnson, Karen Glover (Theo), and Donna Butler. Aunt, Donna Stevenson (Brent), Uncle, Spencer Goffigan, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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