John Whitaker Hughes

John Whitaker Hughes, 93, passed away on September 18th in Indianapolis. John was born April 20, 1921 in Moberly, MO to Gertrude W. and Albert W. Hughes. John was an Eagle Scout, sailing across the Atlantic to attend a Worldwide Jamboree in 1937. He graduated from The Hill School, Pottstown, PA in 1939 and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Yale University in 1942. After graduation, John served as a U.S. Naval Officer in the South Pacific during World War II. He served his country in Australia and as a communications liaison to the British Fleet when the war ended. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a U.S. Naval Lieutenant. John joined the J.C. Penney Company in 1946 in Jackson, MI where he met, and in 1949, married Eunice Clayton, the love of his life. John and Eunice spent 65 wonderful years together. John's 35 year career with J.C. Penney included several stops at stores in Michigan and a store in Philadelphia, PA. A promotion then brought him to manage the store at Eastgate Mall in Indianapolis in 1957. He then opened the store at Washington Square, on the east side of Indianapolis, from where he retired in 1981. John was a 50 year member of the Eastside Optimist Club. In retirement, John enjoyed volunteer teaching, bowling, travel, and supporting the Cream and Crimson of IU. John was also a long-time season ticket holder and avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts. He was also a lifelong member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. John is survived by his wife Eunice Clayton Hughes; children David W. and Joni W. Hughes; daughter-in-law Stephanie Cudworth Hughes; grandchildren Brendan W. and Kristen M. Hughes.