Melvin ‘Coondog’ Ray Hughes

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Melvin ‘Coondog’ Ray Hughes, age 95, of Bridgeport, Illinois passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Aperion Care in Bridgeport, Illinois. He was born on February 13, 1925 in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the son of Hubert L. and Daisy (Inyart) Hughes. He married Joyce Rose Peterson, and she preceded him in death.

Melvin was drafted to the United States Army on May 25, 1943, and discharged on February 20, 1946. During his service in WWII and upon his induction, he immediately entered into WWII. Melvin participated in battles in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Prior to his discharge on February 20, 1946, he was awarded Service Citations, which included three overseas service bars, African Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Battle Stars, and WWII Victory Medal. Upon returning home to Civilian Life, Melvin was an active member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local #841 from October 06, 1948 thru December 03, 1986. Melvin enjoyed coon hunting. His favorite hobby was gardening, and he did it very well.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Mervin Hughes, Merrill Hughes, Merle Hughes, and Marion Curtis Hughes; and one sister, Mildred Bunyan.

Survivors include five sons, Melvin Beryl Hughes of Bridgeport, Illinois, Barney Hughes and wife, Freeda of Lawrenceville, Illinois, Ronnie Hughes of Lawrenceville, Illinois, Barry Hughes of Lawrenceville, Illinois, and Chris Hughes and wife, Trish of Lawrenceville, Illinois; two daughters, Becky Purcell and husband, Justin of Robinson, Illinois and Debbie Clettenberg and husband, Alan of Bridgeport, Illinois; one brother, Morris Hughes and wife, Esther of Cortland, Illinois; two sisters, Mary Scott and Shirley Burgett both of Lawrenceville, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, November 02, 2020 at 11:30 AM at the Sumner Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to the Lawrenceville VFW Post 2244.

Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.