Robert E. "Gene" Hughes, age 87 and a life-long resident of rural Elwood, went to his Heavenly home on Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Riverview Health Hospital in Noblesville. He was born August 21, 1929 in Elwood, the son of Oakley and Ruby (Juday) Hughes. Gene was self-employed as a farmer all of his life, and loved everything about farming. He was a 1947 graduate of Frankton High School, and later enlisted in the U.S. Army serving stateside from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. Gene married the love of his life, Catherine A. Joyner, on June 21, 1953 and they shared over 63 years of marriage together. He was a devoted member of the Frankton Christian Church where he formerly served as church treasurer and served on multiple church boards during many years of membership. Gene enjoyed fishing when he was younger; loved animals; and especially enjoyed living in the country. He will be remembered for his friendliness and someone who always had a smile on his face. Regardless of what he was doing, he always had time to wave at friends as they passed his farm. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Gene's family includes his wife of 63 years, Catherine (Joyner) Hughes of Elwood; daughter, Trudy Jo (husband Mark) Caldwell of Elwood; son, Jerry Alan Hughes of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Carrie (husband Jason) McCorkle, Teela Adkins, and Tiffany Jacks; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler, Trevor, Trace, Cameron, James, Justin, and Jasmine; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rex Hughes in 1992; and sister, Kathleen Hiatt in 2007.

A funeral service celebrating Gene's life will be conducted at 11:00 on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Roger Brooks of the Frankton Christian Church and Pastor Jerry Young of the Alexandria Christian Congregation Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery and will include military honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 7 PM on Monday, November 28, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Frankton Christian Church through the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.copherfeslermay.com.