Gary Hughes, 65, of Eaton, IN passed away on January 13, 2025, surrounded by love and laughter. Born to Betty (Fred Bailey) and Silas Hughes on August 31, 1959, Gary was a man who knew how to hustle, charm, and make life a little more colorful—just like the carnival lights he dedicated over 30 years of his life to.

Gary spent his early years in the car business before he decided to join the carnival industry, running his own operation with flair and determination. While making money was one of Gary’s favorite pastimes, he was equally passionate about sweet-talking cute waitresses at local restaurants. Some might call it charm; he just called it being friendly.

Gary leaves behind three biological children; Daniel Hughes, Nicole Rowles (James Rowles), and Kialey Kitts. Gary also proudly helped raise many stepchildren through the years. He is survived by five grandchildren who brought him endless joy, two sisters, Patricia (Ronnie) Brown and Susan Reynolds; many nieces and nephews who always knew “Uncle Gary” had the best stories and a good laugh to share. He is preceded in death by his mother and father Betty Bailey, Silas Hughes, his brother Jim Hughes, and his granddaughter Addison Nunley

The family invites all who knew and loved Gary to a celebration of his life, at Glad Tidings Church Muncie North on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 3:00 pm where laughter and memories will be shared—just as he would’ve wanted. In lieu of flowers, tip your waitress a little extra, crack a joke, and remember Gary who could light up a room just like a carnival in full swing.