Challie M. Hughes, 90, formerly of DeGraff, died at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018, at Heritage Center of Minster, where he had been a resident for the last few years. He was born June 15, 1927, in Greenup County, Ky., the son of the late Marion and Lora Bly Hughes. On Oct. 25, 1946, he married Garnet L. Burke in Ashland, Ky., and they were married for nearly 65 years before she died Jan. 10, 2011. Surviving are his children; Shirley (Jay) James of New Bremen and Debra (Tom) Schaffner and Jackie Dorsey, both of DeGraff ; seven grandchildren; Chad (Tami) James and Elizabeth (Dustin) Lang, both of New Bremen, Ashleigh (Collin) Miller of Rockford, Challie (Larry) Goings and Zack (Misty) Clary, both of DeGraff and Misty Dorsey and Nathan Richter, both of South Dakota; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, and a sister, Esther Hughes of Flatwoods, Ky.
He also was preceded in death by 10 siblings and five half-siblings. Challie was a farmer and a carpenter by trade. He worked for
Humble Construction and later hauled heavy machinery for Miller Construction. He was a self-made man, and considered himself to be “a Jack of all trades, but a master of none.” He could build and fix anything that he set his mind to, and taught himself to do many things as work was his only hobby. However, his number one job in life was caring for his wife and daughters. He dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending time with them meant everything to Challie. He liked to travel and enjoyed listening to Christian radio. He was a very patriotic man, and he served his country in the United States Navy during WWII as a 2nd Class Seaman aboard the USS Donner. Challie will be remembered for his faith, his work ethic, his love of country and his love of family.
The family will hold private graveside services with military honors at noon Monday, May 7, in the Greenwood–Union Cemetery in DeGraff.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in memory of Challie be made to the charities of the donors’ choices. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen handled arrangements and condolences may be made at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.