ERNEST A. HUGHES Merrillville, Indiana Age 88 passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Inez (nee Vann); son, James (Nancy) Hughes of Valparaiso; daughter, Gayle (Jeffrey) Van Buren of Valparaiso; four grandchildren, Melissa (Perry) Leon of Portage, Amber Deem of Texas, Jody (Michael) Chatelain of Bloomington, IN, Scott (fiancee, Allison Zook) Van Buren of Bloomington, IN; nine great grandchildren, James (Regiss) Leon, Kristen (Scott) Swanson, Jade, Kara, Leah and Chris Deem, Chris, Patrick and Nick Chatelain; special niece, Jackie (Stan) Shirley of Valparaiso; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Wallace and Maudie Hughes; one brother; two sisters. Ernest was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Merrillville. He was a life member of B.P.O. Elks, Hobart Lodge #1152, golfed in the Elks and St. Mary's Hospital golf leagues and was a retired maintenance man from St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, with 14 years of service and a former mechanic at 5th Ave. Buick with 15 years of service. He was an Army veteran having served during World War II. Ernest was a gifted musician, beautifully playing guitar with a lovely tenor/baritone voice, his talent exhibited from an early age. He was a source of pride, joy and entertainment to all around him when he began to strum and sing. His music brought happiness to all who heard it and the talented gift he had descended throughout the surviving generations of his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly mourned and deeply missed. Friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville, Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. Elks service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2008, directly from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 5375 Harrison, Merrillville, with Rev. Lawrence Gember officiating. Visitation 1/2 hour prior to service. At rest Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville. Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.pruzinfuneralservice .com
Published in the Post-Tribune from 2/6/2008 - 2/7/2008.