Roll Call Tribute

Francis A. Hughes, BG USA (Ret) 

September 18, 1935 - November 29, 2024 

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.

He 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 University 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.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 12 from 2-7 PM and Friday, December 13 from 9-11 AM at Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home at 318 E, Chestnut Street, Corydon, IN 47112. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 13th at 11 am at Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home. Military burial service to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1998 Corydon Ramsey Road NW, Corydon, Indiana 47112.