Homer Darrell Hughes

Homer Darrell Hughes, of Andersonville, Tennessee, formerly of Muncie, Indiana, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the age of 88 in Clinton, Tennessee. Homer is survived by his children, Gregory Hughes of Stearns, Kentucky, Jeffery Hughes of Russell Springs, Kentucky, Tona Chitwood (Steve) of Whitley City, Kentucky, Teresa Bruce (Roy) of Andersonville, Tennessee, and step-children, Tina Lee of Yorktown, Indiana, Terry Grim (Rea) of Muncie, Indiana, Kathy Gant of Yorktown, Indiana, and Elaine Casados (Randy) of Dripping Springs, Texas, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, his sister Audrey Stephens of Marion, Indiana, his brother Paul Howard Hughes (Betty) of Muncie, Indiana, his sister-in-law Christine Hughes of New Port Richey, Florida, and many extended relatives that he loved dearly.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his two children Grant Hughes and Jerry Hughes, stepson Carl Lilly, granddaughter Aimee Chitwood, great-grandson Grant Torkelson, sister Ava Dean Keith, and brothers Bill Hughes and Bruce Hughes.

He was born on April 2, 1936, to the late Leslie and Tona (New) Hughes in Smithtown, Kentucky. In 1954, Homer would marry and start a family with Betty Jo Swain in Smithtown, Kentucky. Soon after, Homer joined the United States Air Force, he served his country proudly for many years as a pilot and aircraft mechanic. Homer served at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, where, on occasion, he looked after President Eisenhower’s Air Force One - The Columbine III, he was also stationed in Oregon, and at Clark Air Base in the Philippines and conducted trainings’ throughout Asia, including Japan. His time in the service was a defining chapter of his life, instilling in him a sense of discipline and adventure that he carried into all he did, and which was passed on to his children and grandchildren.

After his honorable discharge in 1964, Homer built a career at Westinghouse in Muncie, where he dedicated 30 years of hard work. He was known for his strong work ethic and the friendships he formed with colleagues along the way. Upon retirement, Homer passed his time enjoying some of his favorite hobbies, including fishing, gardening, and metal detecting. He also loved getting together with his family to have a good fish fry, eating a good cheeseburger, or simply playing the harmonica and singing.

Later in life, Homer married Jackie (Lilly) Hughes, after her death and many years passed, he spent his golden years with Helen (Huffer) Hughes, who also preceded him in death. He and Helen were members of Glad Tidings Church in Muncie, Indiana.

A natural storyteller, Homer, had a way with words that could captivate a room. Whether sharing tales of his time in the Air Force, memories of his childhood in Kentucky, or simply spinning a good yarn, he had a gift for making people laugh and keeping traditions alive through his stories.

Homer leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and laughter. His presence will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

A service to honor and celebrate Homer’s life for his Tennessee family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel (4131 E. Emory Rd. Knoxville, TN 37938). The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a 7:00 pm funeral service with Rev. Allen James officiating.

A service to honor and celebrate Homer's life for his Indiana family and friends will be on Friday, March 14, 2025, receiving friends from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park (4600 W Kilgore Ave, Muncie, IN 47304) followed by a 1:00 pm funeral service, with Pastor Jeff Ellis officiating. A 2:00 pm graveside service will follow. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and stories, just as he would have loved. An online obituary may be viewed, and condolences made at www.mynattfh.com.