Loren L. Hughes age 86 of Paris, Illinois passed away at 7:03 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana. Loren was a Journeyman, Industrial Millwright, worked as the Maintenance Engineer at Paris Healthcare Center, worked at Unarco, at Lusterlite, at the Marsh Lake Hunting Preserve in Chaska, Minnesota, at St. Paul Ammonia Plant, and at DuPont in Minnesota.  Loren was a member of the US Navy.  Along with his wife he founded the East Central Illinois Blue Bird Society serving as President for 14 years.  He was very instrumental in rebuilding the nearly extinct blue bird population in Illinois and was affectionately known as the Blue Bird Man.  In 2007 he was presented the Environment Hero Award from Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.  Loren's hobbies also included woodworking and coin collecting.  He left a legacy of love for nature.  He was an amazing man who taught so many people to love life and nature.

Loren was born on April 9, 1929 to the late Sheridan Philip and Bessie Marie (Schafer) Hughes in Walnut Prairie Township near Marshall, Illinois.

He married Gretchen Sue Carrell on January 9, 1950 in Terre Haute, Indiana. She preceded him in death on July 31, 2010.

Loren is survived by daughter Pamela (Dave) Miller of Washington, Illinois, son Stephen Hughes of Paris, Illinois, daughter Lorna (Jim) Reeley of St. Joseph, Illinois, daughter Kristie Catchings of Forney, Texas, daughter Tracy (John) Ford of Terre Haute, Indiana; grandchildren Jennifer (Brian) Groskopf, Christopher (Amy) Miller, Rob (Nicole) Miller, Elizabeth Humphrey, Gabe (Jennipher) Hughes, Amanda (Steve) Schilsky, Amy (Joel) Brigham, Wes (Erika) Elliott, Ashley (Chris) Massenburg, Sarah Ford, Colin Ford; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Loren was preceded in death by siblings Dorothy, Chester, Ermagene, Lloyd, Berton, Vera, and Bessie; and son-in-law Bradley Reeley.

Visitation for Loren will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Stewart & Carroll Funeral Home.

No services are planned.

Burial will be private at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Loren's name to the Blue Bird Society of East Central Illinois.
For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com