Mr. Larry G. Hughes

Larry G. Hughes, 77, of Marion, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 9:55 am in Marion. Larry was born March 17, 1940 in Scales Mound the son of Glenn and Irene (Bainbridge) Hughes. He married Diane Cronin on May 21, 1966 in Herrin and together they have shared over 51 years of marriage. Larry was a funeral director for over 51 years. He was a 1958 graduate of Scales Mound High School, following high school he served in the Army Reserve.  Larry graduated in 1966 in the first class of Mortuary Science from SIU School of Technical Careers.  His career started at Mitchell Funeral Home working alongside Leonard Mitchell with whom he became a partner with in 1970.  In 1982 he purchased the business and later acquired Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. In 1992 he was named Outstanding Alumni at the SIU College of Technical Careers and spoke at the graduation.  Larry and Diane have worked together to compassionately serve the families in the Marion and Herrin areas.  Larry’s passion for this profession could always be felt by the families he served. He was a member of the Marion First Baptist Church. Larry was very active in his community. In 1980 he was voted the Distinguished Member of the Year for the Marion Chamber, where he had also served as a past president.  He was a 35 year member of the Marion Rotary Club, past president and Paul Harris Fellow recipient. He was a past president and former member of the Marion Kiwanis. At the inception of the Marion Housing Authority he was appointed by Mayor Butler to serve on the board, where he was still currently serving. His professional memberships include the National Funeral Directors Association and the Illinois Funeral Directors Association where he was a 51 year member and past president, also serving at several positions on the board. Larry and Diane served as co-chairman with Dr. Clay and Leti DeMattei to raise funds for the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. He had worked with the United Way. He loved golf, for several years he sponsored the Larry G. Hughes Golf Tournament raising funds for Hospice of Southern Illinois. Larry was a loving husband, father and especially loved being Papa. He loved people. In addition to his wife Diane, Larry is survived by their son Ryan M. Hughes of Marion, four grandchildren – Michael G. Hughes, Anthony R. Hughes, Jack D. Hughes, and Sophia L. Hughes. Sister – Ann Schoenard of Freeport, brother – Richard Hughes of Roscoe, sister-in-law – Lorraine and Bill Phillips of Rantoul, nieces – Michelle and Jack Clark of Belvidere, Jennifer Hughes of Minneapolis, Angie Schoenard of Chicago, Kendra and Brent Little of Rantoul, Diana and Bob Gray of Tuscola, nephews – Rick Hughes of Rockford, Michael Barrett of Minneapolis and Adam Schoenard of Freeport and several cousins. Several great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his Parents, mother-in-law & father-in-law – Hilda & Romie Cronin and brother-in-law – Rick Schoenard. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 11 am at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Bob Dickerson officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 – 9 pm at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Veteran’s Honor Flight, First Baptist Church of Marion or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois  62959.