Verle B. Hughes, 73, of Lafayette, died unexpectedly at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday in St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center.

Mr. Hughes had worked in the maintenance department at Purdue Research Foundation before retiring in 1980.

Born October 14, 1914, in Chalmers, he had spent most of his life in Lafayette.  He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in forestry in 1938.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

On December 18, 1937, he was married in Cicero, Illinois, to Lulu Markham, who survives along with a daughter Diana Hughes of Los Angeles, California; two sons, Gene Hughes of Dallas, Texas and Mel Hughes of West Lafayette.

Also surviving are four brothers, Kenneth, Perry and Gene Hughes, all of Chalmers, and a twin brother, Merle Hughes of Topeka, Kansas and two sisters, Vera Ryden of Indianapolis and Cilia Roberts of Muncie. He had 5 grand children.

Three brothers preceeded him in death. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. today at Solar-Baker West Laf ayette Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday with the Rev. Dr. Gary Reif officiating. Burial will be in Chalmers Cemetery.