Howard R. Hughes, Sr. was the father of Howard Robard Hughes, Jr., the reclusive multi-millionaire. Hughes, Sr. created the fortune that Hughes, Jr. inherited at 19 years of age.

Hughes, Sr. founded Hughes Tool Company, based in Houston, Texas in 1909. The essential asset of Hughes Tool was Hughes Sr's patent for a revolutionary oil drilling bit. The fees for licensing this technology were the basis of Hughes Tool's revenues.

Hughes Sr. was a classic entrepreneur, trying and failing at many endeavors before he finally found his niche. He was also classic in his disregard for the effect of his wide-ranging business travels and endeavors on his family.

Hughes Sr. married in the early 1900s. He set out on his honeymoon with his bride on a trip around the world, and returned flat broke. Hughes Sr. lived in Houston, where Hughes Jr also lived before his life in Los Angeles.