Obituary of Max Hughes

Enveloped in the love of family, Max Reid Hughes, 86, departed this earthly realm on December 14, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood.  Born in Marion, NC on February 28, 1936; he was the son of Calvin Hughes and Vera [Withrow] Hughes.

Max was a proud Navy veteran. He retired after 47 years at Gibson Greetings in their Digital Imaging Department. Max’s office at Gibson was described as orderly and high-tech. He was certainly intelligent but was generous with his mind, offering logical and practical advice when solicited.  Max was direct but also tender-hearted. He was always willing to help someone or lend a hand when needed (even if he wasn’t asked first). Max enjoyed watching UK basketball and Bengals football and also fishing with friends and loved ones. He was also an excellent coach in both basketball and baseball. He treasured music (country and 50s pop mostly) and loved to dance.  He and his wife Betty were crowned “the Jitterbug King & Queen” a time or two.  In his younger years, he was famous for the pool parties and get-togethers he and Betty hosted. In his golden years, he was an avid member of the Independence Senior Center (where he was a part of a champion Wii Bowling team). He and Betty spent the last few years of their lives together traveling everywhere they could.  They went all across the United States and even overseas to Italy. Do you know that Max is famous? His photo likeness can be found on the cover of Images Of America: Independence by Gailen & Debra Bridges. This notoriety did not matter to him, though. What mattered the most to Max was his family. He was adamant about being not only a provider, father, and husband, but a good family member to all. He adored his family above all else. He will be deeply, deeply missed.

Those precious ones left behind after Max’s departure are his beloved wife of many years Betty [Young] Hughes; children Deborah Rankin (Veach), Vera Humphrey, Patricia Ryan (Donald), and Michael Hughes (Linda); brother Calvin “Lin” Hughes; as well as 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many close relatives and friends, too. Max is preceded in death by his parents, including step-mother Dewie Lee; brother Paul Hughes, son-in-law Tom Humphrey; in addition to cherished members of extended family.

A Memorial Mass will be held privately at the convenience of the family at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, (5313 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051). Having seen first-hand how the disease can ravage those we love, Max’s family encourage you to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association online.

To share a memory or photo of Max or to offer an online condolence to the family, please visit www.chambersandgrubbs.com.