Reverend Harold L. Hughes, 88, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 11, 2021, at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born April 20, 1933, in Norris City, Illinois, the son of Marion P.H. and Lillian (Bryant) Hughes. He married Janie Lou Fowler on August 26,1956, and together they enjoyed sixty-four years of marriage centered on their faith, love and family until her passing on January 7, 2021. 

Harold was a sweet, kind and genuinely caring man.  He was a fourth-grade teacher for thirty years and he was well loved by all his students.  Harold was very instrumental in establishing the library at South School.  For sixty years, he Pastored for several Churches all over Southern Illinois.  He was a member of the Council of Associations of the General Baptists, serving on several of the boards that oversees the many ministries.  He was most proud of serving on the board of foreign country ministries and he participated in many mission trips.  He frequented General Baptist Nursing home in Mount Carmel, helping wherever needed and would often lead Church Services for the residents. In his spare time, Harold enjoyed painting a variety of things.  His paintings were a part of his spiritual life as he enjoyed bringing older, rusty things back to life again.  He enjoyed the time spent outdoors doing yard work.  Harold was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was a member of the First General Baptist Church, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Harold leaves behind his son, Lloyd Hughes and wife, Susan of Mt. Carmel; daughter, Lou Ann Scott and husband, Stephen of Mt. Carmel; six grandchildren, Samantha (Jon) Reeder, Wesley (Katie) Scott, Megan Hughes, C.J. Simpson, Jessica Simpson, Shea (Tristan) Lewis; ten great-grandchildren; brothers, Leon Hughes, Carl Dean Hughes; sister, Coradell (Jared) Baker; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his loving wife, Janie, Harold was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Vickie Lynn Hughes; brothers, Bernard L. Hughes, M. Paul Hughes, infant brother, David Carrol Hughes; sister-in-law, Patsy C. Hughes. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Underwood officiating.  Burial will follow at Powell Cemetery in White County, Illinois, where Harold will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife. 

Family and friends may gather for a visitation from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to First General Baptist Church or Powell Church and will be accepted at the Funeral Home or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, Illinois 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Harold’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Hughes family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.