Howard J. Hughes, age 82, of Fredericktown, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He was born on April 25, 1944, in Marengo, Indiana, the son of Mills C. and Eschol (Eddleman) Hughes.
Howard was a 1962 graduate of Marengo High School in Indiana, where he was the class valedictorian and a four-year letterman on the basketball team. He continued his education at Cincinnati Christian University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and later received his master’s degree from Xavier University. He also pursued postgraduate studies at Northern Arizona University and The Ohio State University.
Throughout his career, Howard dedicated more than 30 years to serving others as a minister, teacher, and financial advisor. He was a faithful member of Victory Church of Christ in Mount Vernon.
An Eagle Scout, Howard enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hiking. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, who meant more to him than anything.
Howard will be remembered for his dedication to serving others, his love of learning, his wisdom, and the special place his family held in his heart.
Howard is survived by his wife Carole (Ewers) Hughes, whom he married on July 9, 1965 (61 years ago), his children, Christy (Jim) Dilgard of Fredericktown, Jason (Erin) Hughes of Hilliard, and Jonathan (Nikki) Hughes of Georgetown, Texas, eight grandchildren, Daniel and Ellie Dilgard, Hayden, Halle and Ansleigh Hughes, and Riley, Lincoln and Landon Hughes. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Johnson of Milltown, Indiana.
Besides his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a brother, Loren Hughes and a sister, Evelyn Grant.
Friends may call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, 201 Newark Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio, 43050 where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Minister Brad White will be officiating and burial will follow in Forest Cemetery in Fredericktown.
Memorial contributions in Howard’s name may be made to Victory Church of Christ for missions.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Howard J. Hughes.
Funeral Home: Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com