John E. Hughes, 75, of Avella (Blaine Township), died Sunday, September 20, 1998, in Washington Hospital. Mr. Hughes was Protestant. He was a veteran of World War II, having served as a private first class in the U.S. Army in the European Theater. He was an ambulance driver. Mr. Hughes was a coal miner and then a welder with Tri-State Engineering, Washington, retiring in 1981 after 29 years. Mr. Hughes enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. On March 17, 1943, in Washington, he married Mary R. Haught, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Pastor Roy Hughes; two daughters, Roberta McElhaney and Janet Patterson, all of Blaine Township; a brother, George Hughes of Washington; a sister, Mary Staley of Claysville; five grandchildren, Kevin Hughes, Elizabeth and Sam McElhaney and Mary and Adam Cummins; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased is a sister, Helen Headley. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Tuesday, September 22, 1998John E. Hughes
WWII veteran was retired welder
He was born September 7, 1923, in the Claysville area, a son of Edward and Louise Moore Hughes.