Thomas Junior Hughes, age 98, of Pataskala, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Tuscany Gardens. He was born on December 7, 1927, in Lynn Grove, Kentucky to the late Thomas Franklin and Vera Maude Hughes.
Thomas was a proud veteran of the United States Army from 1946 to 1947, serving in the 357th Glider Infantry and 101st Airbourne Division where he completed 13 jumps. He went on to work as a station supervisor at Port Columbus for 36 years, and as a bus driver for Licking Heights for 14 years. He was a volunteer with the Pataskala Fire Department for 8 years and was their acting president at one point. Thomas was devoted and faithful member of the Pataskala United Methodist Church and Jersey Baptist Church. He served as the assistant scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 21. Thomas loved tending to his garden, going camping, being in his bowling league, and playing semi-professional baseball.
Thomas is survived by his loving children, Wayne (Cathi) Hughes, Gary (Deb) Hughes, Ken Hughes, and Sandra (Jerry) Kinser; grandchildren, Tim, Jon, Jeff, Ashley, Chad, Matt, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Vincent, Kerra, Jacob, Ceci, Xander, Joseph, Kyler, Chase, Mya, Madison, Dominik, Chloe, Everlee, and Antonietta; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones. In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in passing by his beloved wife of 65 years, Fay (Grogan) Hughes; and siblings, Charles, Odell, James, Vera, Albert, Clara Anne, Herbert, Alton, Nell, and George Martin.
Family and friends may gather from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home, 289 S. Main St., Pataskala, OH 43062. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the funeral home, Pastor Phil Duncan will be officiating. Thomas will be laid to rest at Pataskala Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Thomas’ name to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/.
