Louis Nathan Hughes

Louis Nathan Hughes, age 101 of Marion, OH, died peacefully at 12:25 PM on February 11, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at Marion General Hospital. He was born at home in Marion on January 23, 1924, to his parents Thomas and Beaulah Hughes. He moved to Prospect, OH, at age 4, when his parents bought a dairy farm. He helped on the farm as soon as he was old enough. He graduated from Prospect High School in 1942 as president of his class.

He married Betty Bond on October 5, 1946, and they were fortunate to be able to celebrate their 77th anniversary in 2023. They began married life in Prospect, OH, on the Hughes family farm. In 1952 they moved to Marion, OH, in order to work at Central Soya where he worked for 31 years. Afterwards, he worked for Frayer Seed, Marion Senior Center, and RGIS inventory service.

He was a member of Prospect Methodist Church in Prospect, OH, then Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion, OH, and later Prospect Street United Methodist Church in Marion, OH. He was very involved in church activities and committees. He volunteered at Marion Senior Center, where he served as board president. He also volunteered at Marion General Hospital, Red Cross Bloodmobiles, VITA tax assistance for seniors, Chapel Heights Cemetery as trustees board president, Harding High School concession stands and other charities. In 1987, he received a volunteer appointment for a week-long Senior Citizen Internship in Washington, DC by then congressman Mike DeWine. In 2007, he and his wife were honored by Ohio Governor Bob Taft for a lifetime of volunteer service.

Louis and Betty were fortunate to be able to frequently travel within the United States and take cruises and vacations to other countries throughout Europe, North America and South America. However, most of their travels included trying to attend every activity of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen (Dick) Gorenflo, Janet (George) Kruder and Peggy (Richard) Word. His surviving grandchildren are Brent (Amy) and Brian (Melissa) Gorenflo, Jason (Allison) Kruder, Jeremy (Lesa) and John (Katy) Word, Jennifer (Jason) Wilkinson and Jennifer (Kip) Walling. He is survived by 11 great grandchildren, Emery, Ava and Lexi Gorenflo; Evan and Maddie Kruder; Cody, Madison and Joel Word; Jackson Genzman; Josie Wilkinson and Kyra Walling. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Richard (Pat) Bond, a cousin-in-law Beverly Rizor Everly, a sister-in-law, Marlene Manley, a sister-in-law, Bea Bond Sigrist, numerous nieces and nephews, and a special family friend, Kathy Seckel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hughes, his parents, Thomas and Beaulah Hughes, a brother and his wife, John and Velda Hughes, a brother-in-law, Robert Bond, a sister-in-law, Connie Bond and a granddaughter, Mandy Kruder.

We would like to especially thank the nurses and staff of Kingston Residence of Marion for their loving care of Louis for nearly 2 years.

Friends and family may call at the Boyd Funeral Home, 122 W. Columbia St., Marion, OH, on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The funeral will be at 1:00 PM with Pastor Joshua Freshour and Reverend Joseph Miller of Prospect Street United Methodist Church officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Chapel Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mandy Kruder Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Marion Community Foundation or the Prospect Street United Methodist Church.

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