Mark Jay Hughes, age 81 of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Ascension-St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after a noble battle with cancer.  He was born October 27, 1941 at home in Point Isabel, the son of Burnice and Mary Ellen (Hueston) Hughes.  Mark was a 1959 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and later trained as a journeyman apprentice in tool making.  Mark worked at Airfoil Textron (Ex-Cello) in Elwood for 26 years as a tool maker until the company closed in Elwood.  He then worked as a tool maker at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for 13 years and retired February 29, 2004.  He was a member of U.A.W #685 in Kokomo and had served as an officer with the Union.

Mark was an active person all of his life.  He was a member of the Elwood Elks, the Alexandria Eagles Lodge, Elwood V.F.W. as an auxiliary member, proud member of the "Tired Muscle Gang", and enjoyed visiting the Frankton American Legion as an auxiliary member.  Mark was especially accomplished at craftsmanship and enjoyed building model airplanes, watercraft, and old western transportation.  He also created many unique and useful items.  He was a classic car enthusiast and former member of the Vintage Rollers Car Club.  Mark also loved attending car shows and flea markets through the years.  Earlier in life he was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He was known for riding his vintage, 1800's high-wheel bicycle in area parades.  In his own way, Mark loved all his family very much.

Mark's family legacy includes two daughters, Toni (Ruben) Graff of Indianapolis and Jill Stone of Westfield; 4 brothers, William "Bill" (Peggy) Hughes of Elwood, Dennis Hughes of Elwood, Alan (Anita) Hughes of Canton, GA, and Roger (Rita) Hughes of Warsaw; 7 grandchildren, Sam (Michelle) Graff, Harrison Graff, Ethan Graff, Marian Graff, Adam Hoover, Austin (Morgan) Hoover, and Brent Stone, two great-grandchildren, Franklin and Hazel Graff; sister-in-law, Diana Hughes of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Mark is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, James Hughes, Larry (Ellarie) Hughes, and Merrill Hughes; sister, Janet (Ed) Stage; and sister-in-law, Jackie Hughes.

A funeral service celebrating Mark's life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with family and friends leading his service. Burial will follow in Knox Chapel Cemetery in Fairmount.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Morrisett Center Food Pantry.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.