Richard C. “Rich” Hughes, 73 of Abingdon, passed away at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born October 12, 1942 in Berwick Township, Warren County, Illinois, the son of J. Elzie and Emma Jane Meredith Hughes. He married Carolyn Hatch on June 17 1966 in Abingdon.
Rich is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carolyn; his loving daughter, Diane Hughes of Abingdon; two brothers, Cecil of Florida and Kenny of Galesburg; and nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, two brothers, and three step-brothers.
He had lived all his life in the Abingdon area. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked at Briggs Manufacturing in Abingdon for 33 years and was a supervisor for 23 of those years. He later worked for the State of Illinois Employment Services in Peoria for 12 years.
In his early years he enjoyed golfing, pitching for area men’s softball teams and bowling, where he served as the secretary for many years for the Big Ten Bowling League at Abbe Lanes. He was also a member of the Galesburg Bowling Association and held many offices within the association. He liked playing cards and watching harness racing. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan and Los Angeles Dodger fan. His morning coffee with Jerry and Mark will always be remembered.
Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned at this time. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in care of Carolyn Hughes, 206 W. Givens St., Abingdon, IL 61410. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
