Mark G. Hughes
Mark Hughes, beloved uncle and “GUM” (Great Uncle Mark), cherished brother, devoted son, and warmhearted friend to an extensive network of admirers, exited stage left on Sunday, March 30th, 2025. Mark’s age will remain a mystery, as he would have wanted. Henceforth, March 30th will be known as “RUFKM Day”—so mark your 2026 calendars accordingly!
Born on a chilly winter day on December 29th, 1964, in Quincy, Illinois, to William and Janet Hughes (Bergman), Mark was the ultimate testament to his claim that he had “the greatest parents alive.” His life was a masterclass in kindness, perennial support, and cultivating joy—often by concocting the zaniest TikTok challenges. Each holiday, he’d rally his troops with a playful command: “YOU PEOPLE had BETTER participate!”
A proud 1983 Quincy Notre Dame High School grad, former grade school student of St. Mary’s Elementary, and Quincy University alum (’87, Bachelor’s in Marketing), Mark was a natural-born manager. His career in food service spanned from Ponderosa to Buffalo Wild Wings, and most recently, Applebee’s, where he was regularly donned “the best boss ever.” He most recently steered the helm at the Quincy University Bookstore, aiding young Hawks in their scholarly quests.
The patriarch of fun, Mark ADORED his nieces and nephews. He loved them as if they were his own. He was always armed with snacks, sweet treats and sodas. He was always up for anything that someone else wanted to do. He was selfless. Moreover, he was the unofficial financier of family card games, sneakily ensuring the little ones triumphed more often than not. His passions included music, binge-worthy TV shows, and working out. No family gathering was complete without Mark’s spirited touch—his infectious wit and dark humor, readiness to assist, and unwavering commitment to making everyone feel included, cared for, and cherished.
Mark leaves behind a legacy of humor, hard work, devotion to family. His life was rich with close friendships, both in Quincy and St. Louis, joyous family gatherings, and memorable interactions with countless customers who still rave about his exceptional service.
Preceded in death by his father, William, Mark’s legacy will echo in the memories of his survivors: his mother Janet; siblings Diane (Dan) Kemner and Tim (Wendy) Hughes; niece Kristie Kemner Schoen (Payne); nephews Evan (Lilly) Kemner and Cayge Hughes; great-nieces Charlston “Charlie” and Chamberlin “Chambo” Schoen; great-nephews Calvin and Noah Kemner; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a family too vast to list but impossible to forget.
A memorial service to celebrate Mark’s unforgettable impact will be held on Saturday, April 5th, at 11:00 a.m. at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 at the funeral home.
Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Diabetes Association in memory of his father Bill Hughes, or to Quincy University’s St. Clare’s Student Needs Center. Remember, in every beat of Mark’s favorite tunes and in every laugh shared in his memory, his spirit carries on. His name was Mark, and what a mark he left on us all.
Mark was a great man. He always greeted you and took good care of the customers. He always made you feel special whenever he saw.
Thanks for being kind and courteous to my wife and I. You will missed.
Rest In Peace my friend.
A very great manager looked after his employees and customers as they were family not just people he was an amazing person so sorry to the family and many friends please rest high in peace may you rest now
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Mark was a wonderful man and will be missed. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Janet and Family,
It saddens us to learn of Mark’s death.
We are thinking of you.
As ever,
The Wenturas, Pat & Dick
Sending an abundance of love and prayers to all of Mark’s family, friends, and those he has impacted through his spirit and love. I only worked with him through Quincy U, but his presence and impact was widely felt even through our own company. His priority was always students and their experience and success, he was humble, kind, and always made sure we finished our calls with a laugh.
Janet and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray you are comforted by Gods graciousness and by your memories of Mark. Love and Prayers. Royalene
I didn’t know Mark, but I knew his dad, Bill, from high school and Bill was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet and it looks like his son, Mark, followed in his footsteps. I am sad for his family left behind. Is this is so difficult to deal with. May God bless all of you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
I am so sad to read of Mark’s passing. I worked with him at Quincy University and enjoyed our conversations and projects. He was so fun to work with and I could tell that he was full of life. He often spoke about his family and I could tell that he loved them very much. I will miss Mark! My prayers are with each of the people who he left his mark on.
I can still hear Mark knocking on the back door when we lived on Jefferson “Is Debbie home?”
what a handsome kind young guy then and to our trips to Buffalo Wild Wings what a hugable
greeter “Ill take care of these people!!!” he would say. WHERE have all the good people gone?
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. We shared such a fun neighborhood friendship & walked to school together for many years.
My prayers are with Janet, Diane & Tim & their family members in this very difficult time.
Janet, I am thinking of you and am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family as you go through this difficult loss.
Mary Cary
Mark was amazing, definitely the best boss ever (Ponderosa alumni), he truly inspired me to be a manager myself in my career. Truly a great friend and leader to so many!
To Janet and Family-
I am very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing! Praying for peace and comfort to all of you!
Warmly,
Lori Nardiello Lopez
Janet, was so sad to see Mark had passed….such a fun kid, all the ballgames brought back so many memories..our condolences to you and your family.
Forever friends Judy and PJ