Gerald D. Hughes

Gerald “Gary” Dean Hughes, 76 passed away at 3:51 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Kokomo surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was born on August 18, 1948 in Lafayette to the late Marian Louisa Zeek Hughes Benson and the late Clarence Paul Hughes. In 1965 he married Diana Kay Heath. They later divorced and she preceded him in death. On April 20, 1973,in Monticello, he married the love of his life of 51 years, Donna Leona Keaton. They had their wedding reception at his late sister Constance “Connie” Sue Hughes Heath’s home in Thomasville.

Gary was a member of the class of 1966 from Twin Lakes High School in Monticello. He served in the United States Army from April 24, 1969 thru April 23, 1971 as an SP4. He was also a member of the Active Reserves until April 23, 1975. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion in Monticello. Gary was a self-taught mechanic with several certificates and certifications. He worked at Newbold& Son’s in Monon for 33 years.

He enjoyed telling jokes to anybody he met. He didn’t care if they were appropriate or not. Gary was a Cubs and NASCAR fan. He especially enjoyed traveling to Sebring, Florida with his wife Donna.

Gary loved his family and is survived by his wife, Donna Hughes of Peru, daughter, Kim Sue Steele and her companion Rick Edwards of Logansport, son, Mark Waylon Hughes and his wife Shannon of Bunker Hill, daughter, Amanda Leeann Huggins and her husband Cary of Logansport and daughter, Christina Marie Hughes Blount and her husband Michael of Kokomo. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, ex-wife and sister, he was also was preceded in death by his stepfather, Willard Earl Benson and daughter, Julie Ann Hughes.

Graveside Services with military rites will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Ever Rest Memorial Park Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be to his wife, Donna Hughes, 701 E. Main St., Apt. 220, Peru, Indiana 46970.

Gary’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.