Charles P. Hughes, 75, of Chalmers, Indiana, passed away on April 22, 2026, at IU Health in Lafayette, Indiana. Known affectionately to family and friends as Chuck or Goose, he lived a full life filled with laughter, loyalty, good company, and a cigar never far from his lips.

Born on October 10, 1950, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Perry J. and Garnet R. Hughes, Chuck graduated from Frontier High School in 1968. He enjoyed a long career at Eli Lilly, retiring in 2005. Retirement opened a new chapter when he purchased and operated “The Other Pub” in Brookston, Indiana, for 17 years.

Chuck loved life’s simple and spirited pleasures. He cherished golfing trips with his buddies, frequent visits to local establishments to swap stories with friends, and regular trips to Las Vegas with his longtime special friend, Kimmie Stokes. Each summer, he graciously opened his front yard as a prime viewing spot for the annual Brookston Fireworks, welcoming family and friends to celebrate together.

Chuck is survived by his brother, Perry W. Hughes; his sister, Pamela K. (Bruce) Hiner; beloved nieces and nephews: Amy (Jason) Vance, Anita Johnson, Joseph (Heidi) Hughes, Ryan (Lauren Welton) Hiner, Arron McKim, and Evan McKim; and great-nieces and great-nephews: Meredith (Joey Ranieri) Vance, Xavier Hughes, Vanessa (Michael) Little, and Josh (Brooke) Oliver.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Beverly (Hughes) Boyle; his sister-in-law, Alecia Hughes; his niece, Michelle Ann Hiner; and his great-niece, Jessica Oliver.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hartzler Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston, Indiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7:00 p.m., where friends are invited to honor Goose through laughter and shared memories. A private graveside service will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Chalmers Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to light a good cigar, raise a glass, hit the golf course, or simply tell a story about the times you shared with Chuck. Many will fondly remember his legendary “Goose” dance shuffle — that signature move that could instantly light up a room and bring smiles and laughter to everyone around him. Chuck lived life on his own terms, loved deeply, and left the world a little brighter for having known him.