Francis T. Hughes

Francis Trusten Hughes (Frank), of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday June 9, 2022 at the age of 96.

Frank was born on July 20, 1925, in Allentown, PA to parents, Trusten P.H. and Bertha V. (Smith) Hughes. At age seventeen, he joined the Marine Corps Squadron VMSB-333 and served during World War II as a tail gunner of a Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber while stationed in Hawaii. During his service to our country, he met his future wife, Irene Mae Kelly. They raised five children, Janet, Nancy, Donald, Diane, and Daniel.

After 38 years of marriage, Irene passed in October of 1983. Frank met Janet Marie Elder and they were married for eighteen years before Janet’s passing in 2002. Frank said “he was thankful to have had two loves of his life.”

For most of his career, Frank worked as a salesman for a life insurance and a security company, and after retirement, as a handyman. He showed his love for people through service in several organizations: he was a seventy-year member of his Masonic Fraternity, a fifty-year member of Broad Ripple Sertoma club, and a hospice volunteer for several years. He will be remembered for his warm smile and willingness to help others. He lived by the words, “if you’re going to do something, do it right,” and it was evident that in his passion for model railroading he obtained the distinction of becoming a Master Model Railroader. Frank was also a member of East 91st Street Church attending with Janet and then Castleton Christian Church. Those of us who knew him will never forget him.

Frank was blessed to live out his 96 years in good health and independence up until his last 2 months on Earth. The day before being admitted to the hospital, he had driven himself to the grocery store and waxed his kitchen floor on his hands and knees, preparing the house in anticipation of his 97th birthday. If you knew him, you understand.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Trusten and Bertha Hughes; step-brother, Charles L. Schadt, Jr; wives, Irene (Kelly) and Janet (Elder) Hughes; and sons-in-laws, Robert McKim and Robert Heidloff.

He is survived by his children, Janet I. McKim, Nancy J. Jacobs (Gary), Donald F. Hughes (Meredith), Diane L. VanOsdol (Jay), Daniel A. Hughes (Kelly), Carole A. Miller (Clement), Linda K. Heidloff, and Jennifer J. Croner (Stephen); 17 grandkids; 16 great-grandkids; 2 great-great grandkids; and many other loving friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN, with a funeral service immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to Noble of Indiana. Mail checks to:

Noble
Attn: Development
7701 E. 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219