COLUMBUS
Brigadier General Francis A Hughes
9-18-35 – 11-29-24
Francis A Hughes, 89, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on November 29, 2024. He was born on September 18, 1935, near Corydon, Indiana, to Albert Harrison and Ambrosia Florence (Amy) Hughes.
Francis was a 1957 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education and a Distinguished Military Student in the Purdue Army ROTC program. After three years of active duty in the Army, he began his civilian career as a Science Teacher in Columbus, Indiana. He was the Science Department Chairman at Northside Junior High, Southside Junior High, and East Senior High school during his 34-year career in Education. He also received his master’s degree from Texas A&M in 1965. His Military highlights included over 4000 flying hours in both fixed wings and helicopters. He was particularly proud of attending the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA in 1977 and being inducted into the Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame in 1993. He was designated a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1988 by Governor Robert D. Orr and presented his second Sagamore of the Wabash in 1992 by Governor Evan Bayh. He spent 35 years in the Indiana National Guard moving up the ranks and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1987.
He is survived by his children, Gordon (Jennifer) Hughes, Wendy Hughes and Lindsay (John) McShane and his grandchildren, Michael Hughes, Christopher Hughes, Katie (Thomas) Fisher Molly McShane, Megan McShane and brother Glenn Hughes.
He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Ellen Rose Gordon Hughes, siblings Paul, Charles, Jerry and Donna Millholland.
Memorial Details: Visitation was held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Gehlbach &Royse Funeral Home in Corydon, IN. A funeral service was held on Friday, December 13th at Gehlbach &Royse Funeral Home.
Military burial service to followed at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1998 Corydon Ramsey Road NW, Corydon, Indiana 47112.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, 2626 17th Street, Columbus, IN 47201.
