Wheeler O Hughes

HUGHES, Wheeler Oliver, 96, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013. Born November 5, 1916, he was raised in Princeton, Indiana until he settled in the Louisville metropolitan area following two enlistments in the U.S. Military. He proudly served in WWII and received multiple commendations during the European Theater of Operations. A laborer by trade, he eventually retired from P. Lorillard Co. where he was a maintenance mechanic for 24 years. He became an active member in the Masonic Lodge and was a member of Robinson Lodge #266. He assumed many challenging positions within the organization. Over the years, he became involved with other noteworthy associations including the Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, Kosair Shrine, and Order of the Kentucky Colonels. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially when it came to hunting and fishing. The pride of his summer months involved tending his vegetable garden and yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Mary Hughes, by siblings Sherman W. Hughes, Paul E. Hughes and Betty L. Welborn; and by his loving wife of 38 years, Geraldine L. Hughes. He is survived by two siblings; Teddy G. Hughes and Shirley A. Grant as well as three children; sons Paul R. Hughes, Wheeler O. Hughes III and stepson Ronald L. Lyle (Beverly). There are six grandchildren; Heather Spivey (David), Wheeler O. Hughes IV (Lauren), Jennifer Kuljam (Thomas), Denise Grantz (John), Ronald Balmer, and Damon Balmer (Candace) and seven great grandchildren; Analaurie Hughes, Guy Paul Hughes, Sidney Kuljam, Franklin Balmer, Austin Grantz, Autumn Grantz and Lela Spivey.

Visitation will be held 12-8pm Sunday at The Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Highway, with the funeral service being held 10am Monday, in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be immediately after the service at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. For more information please visit us at www.headyhardy.com.