Kenneth Rodney Hughes

Kenneth Rodney Hughes, 68, passed away at 11:35am Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Memorial Hospital.

Rodney, as he was known, was born on March 6, 1953 in Rockwood, TN to Virgis and Alma (Marlow) Hughes.  They preceded him in death along with a sister Roberta Horvath, his in-laws Edward and Olga Petzke, and brother-in-law Gerry Petzke.

On September 11, 1982 he married the former Sandra K. Petzke who survives, along with two sons Kenneth Rylan Hughes of South Bend and Brant Edward (Yolanda Valdivia) Hughes of Indianapolis, two sisters Susan (Don) Lewis and Patty Carter both of Jacksonville, FL, brother-in-law Wayne Petzke of Grovertown, IN, numerous nieces and nephews, his Fur-kitties Toby, Samy, and Grace, as well as Briz, his new Cavalier puppy.

Rodney worked as a refrigeration engineer for Honeywell for 30 years, retiring in June of 2006.  He was then the head of maintenance at New Prairie United School Corp. for 10 years, retiring in 2019.

We have lost a man of many hats.  A true MacGyver, Jack of all trades, and Jack-Be-Nimble, until his cancer took it all away.

Able to relate to anyone, Rodney never met a stranger.  He could tell a great story, loved a good steak, and enjoyed Westerns, history and the Cubs.

Rodney donated the gift of sight.    The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their loving care.

Cremation has taken place. Per his wishes, there are no services.  Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Riley’s Children’s Hospital, or any animal rescue.  To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home.

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