Mr. Nathan E. Hughes, age 75, of Vevay, Indiana, passed away at 9:50 p.m., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nathan was born on March 5, 1951, in Vevay, Indiana, the son of the late Theodore J. “Ted” and Mary Jo (Meadows) Hughes. Nathan was raised in Switzerland County where he would later proudly dedicate many years of his life to serving. He graduated from Vevay High School, class of 1969. Nathan learned the value of hard work at an early age on the farm milking cows. At just 14 years old, he began working at the US Shoe Factory in Vevay, where he remained for a few years. Over the years, his working career took him in several different directions, including 10 years with Aurora Casket Company in Aurora, Indiana, and five years with Kentucky Speedway. It was Nathan’s career in law enforcement, however, that became an important part of his life and his connection to the people of Switzerland County. After attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, Indiana, Nathan began serving with the Vevay Police Department in 1976. He later served as Chief Deputy with the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Office before being elected Sheriff of Switzerland County. Nathan proudly served his community as Sheriff for 12 years before retiring in 2019. For Nathan, law enforcement was more than simply a career; it gave him the opportunity to serve the county he called home and to get to know countless people throughout the community. Nathan farmed all of his life in Switzerland County with his family, raising hogs and tobacco. On October 20, 1984, Nathan was united in marriage to Donna Nelson in Vevay, Indiana. Together, Nathan and Donna shared nearly 42 years of marriage and were blessed with their son, Nelson. His family remained an important and treasured part of his life throughout the years. Nathan was a lifetime member of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association and a 40-year member of Switzerland Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM. He was raised in the Riverview Baptist Church in Vevay, Indiana. Those who knew Nathan knew he was a true people person who never met a stranger. He was very sociable and could often be found visiting with others, sharing stories, and enjoying a good conversation. His gift for storytelling and friendly nature made it easy for him to connect with those around him. He enjoyed being out in the community, visiting with friends, and catching up with former colleagues. After spending so many years serving Switzerland County, Nathan knew people wherever he went, and he genuinely enjoyed those friendships and connections. His years of public service allowed him to leave his mark on the community, but it was the relationships he built along the way that meant so much to him. Nathan will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service, his strong ties to Switzerland County, his love for his family and friends, and the familiar presence he was to so many throughout the community.
Nathan is survived by his wife, Donna (Nelson) Hughes of Vevay, IN; his sons, Nathan Wade Hughes and his companion, Carrie Weatherholt of Vevay, IN, and Nelson Hughes and his wife, Amanda of Vevay, IN; his step-daughter, Keisha Morton and her husband, Brian of Moorefield, IN; his grandchildren, Kodi Hughes, Aaron Clayton Hughes II. and his companion, Madi Fields, Aalyeah Mary Jo Hughes, Noah Hughes and his wife, Katie, Carleigh Hughes, Ryan Hughes and his fiancée, Lydia Lieland, Kinley Hite and her husband, Kendrick, Kalli Morton and her companion, Jake Hall, and Porter Hughes; his great-grandchildren, Maylee, Amelia, Beckham, Lachlan, Ne’Arah, Rhymidi, and one great-grandson on the way, Harlan; his sisters, Margaret Stegemiller of Rising Sun, IN, and Mildred Fleek and her husband, Leroy of North Vernon, IN; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Martha Nelson of Campbellsburg, KY, and Donnie Ogburn of Versailles, KY; and his several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore J. “Ted” Hughes, died March 23, 1980; his mother, Mary Jo (Meadows) Hughes, died January 11, 1998; his son, Aaron Clayton Hughes, died November 25, 2006; his brothers, Ralph Hughes, died April 20, 2003, and Wayne Hartman Hughes, died December 2, 2022; his sister, Gertrude Voris, died January 6, 2020; his father-in-law, Curtis Nelson; his mother-in-law, Callie (Chilton) Nelson Keesee; his step-father-in-law, James William Keesee; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald William Voris, Harris Junior Stegemiller, Floyd Nelson, Loyd Nelson, John Nelson, Fred Nelson, Betty Hughes, Donna Sue Scudder Hughes, Norma Siers, Doris Ogburn, Charles Nelson, and Leah Nelson.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.,Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043. Masonic Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Interment will follow in the Vevay Cemetery, Vevay, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association or Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com