Donald Ray Hughes

Donald Ray Hughes died peacefully on Thursday, January 19, 2023 in Naples, Florida at the age of 87. Don was born on November 9, 1935 in Grove City, Ohio. After graduating from Otterbein University in 1958, he served in the United States Army from 1959-1961, and then went on to pursue and receive a Master’s degree from Ohio University while working and raising a family. Don spent 27 years as a teacher/coach and administrator in the Gahanna-Jefferson School District, proudly spending 18 of those years as the first principal of Chapelfield Elementary. After his retirement in 1986, he worked at The Golf Club and enjoyed traveling with Kaye between Columbus, Ohio and Naples, Florida.

Don was a lifelong athlete and was inducted into the Gahanna Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He was a lifelong Gahanna Lincoln Lion supporter, and worked many years running the scoreboard at the home football games. Don had been a fast pitch softball pitcher in the Army and continued playing throughout his adult life. As an avid golfer, he scored two hole-in-ones in 1997 and 1998 in Naples, Florida.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Ona and Ernest Hughes and his brother Charles. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Kaye, and their children Mark (Betty) Hughes and Susan (Kevin) O’Donnell; five grandchildren, Katelyn (Zach) Heilman, Maya (Ricardo) Pellegrino, Jillian (Travis) Laird, Mason (Lindsey) Hughes, and Laryn O’Donnell; 3 great granddaughters, Charlotte and Perry Heilman and Liliana Pellegrino.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10:00am at Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville St., Gahanna, Ohio 43230, with his memorial service to follow at 11:30am. A private graveside ceremony will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gahanna Lincoln Athletic Hall of Fame, 140 S. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 or to Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville Street, Gahanna, OH 43230.