John M. Hughes, 70, of Evansville, passed away on March 7, 2021, in his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on November 28, 1950, in Vincennes, IN. He was the first born son to Tommy Schafer Hughes and Dorothy Dale (Williams) Hughes of Allendale.
John was an entrepreneur and self-employed until he was 65 years old. He owned Hughes Excavating & Trucking specializing in heavy hauling, and was a skilled heavy-machinery operator, truck driver and businessman. He was sought out by companies nationwide that needed heavy hauling expertise with special equipment. One of his most proud professional accomplishments was engineering and designing a semi-truck trailer to transport oversized steel vessels across state lines for ADM Food Processing Company.
He was an active member in the community. He was a member of the Directors Staff of the Hadi Shrine. He was also a member of several organizations including Masonic Lodge #752, Elks Lodge #715, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3065, the River Bend Association, and Allendale Christian Church.
John was an avid adventurer and loved to play in the outdoors. As a pilot, he enjoyed taking his Cessna 180 on day trips and across the country with The 180 Club. He loved anything with the thrill of speed. His many hobbies included riding his Harley Davidson with the Rolling Thunder, boating on the Ohio River, flying his plane, and traveling to the Western Slope. He was happiest doing these activities when he was with his friends and family. He loved a good competition and his charisma was magnetic to those who met him.
He married Vickie Floyd on September 4, 2016, and although they only shared a few years of marriage together, she was a loving and caring companion. He married Josefina Flores Robles on May 22, 1970, where they shared 28 years of marriage, a family business, and raised two children together.
He will be remembered by his wife Vickie; son Curt Hughes and his partner Valerie Hartz of Allendale; daughter Francie (CJ) Billings of Parker, CO; three grandchildren, Courtney Hughes, Erica Billings, and Carter Billings; two sisters, Sharon (Gene) Gehret of Mount Carmel, and Carolyn (Brad) Jeffers of Bradenton, FL; one brother, Dale (Peggy) Hughes of Allendale; several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Matthew Hughes.
There will be a drive-through visitation for family and friends from 11AM to 1PM on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home in Allendale. Please enter from the south of the funeral home, passing thru the horseshoe-shaped drive. There will be a graveside service immediately following at Allendale Cemetery with social distancing measures in place. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Allendale is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
