Kokomo, Indiana - Robert "Big Dog" Hughes passed on March 27, 2026, at the age of 62.

Robert was born on Feb. 3, 1964, in Kokomo, to the late Johnny Paul Hughes and Maria G. (Salinas) McCoy, who survives.

Robert graduated from Kokomo High School in 1982. He retired from the Indiana Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer after 36 years of dedicated employment. Robert was a member of ABATE of Indiana for 38 years and a member of Indiana Freemasons Lodge #681 for 18 years.

Robert is survived by his mother, Maria McCoy; sisters, Jessica Thomas and Rhonda (Mark) Mayhew; brother, James Hughes; niece, Olivia Smith (Tristan Moore); best friend, Greg Tedder; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his stepfather, Roy McCoy; his father and stepmother, Jeanne Hughes.

There will be a visitation for Robert on Friday, April 10, from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m., Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. There will be a private burial at later date at Crown Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Howard County Special Olympics.