The Lake St. Louis Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk is planned in honor of Charlie Hughes. On Saturday, October 8, the anniversary of his death, Charlie’s friends and family will gather to honor and remember his gregarious spirit and encourage the community to take charge of their own health.
Here is the story of Charlie Hughes, as told to us by Kevin Laney, the driving force behind Get Your Rear in Gear Lake St. Louis.
Visit the Lake St. Louis Get Your Rear in Gear event page to register for the race or donate to this event.
Charlie Hughes
Charlie Hughes was 42 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer on Sunday, April 11, 2010 after going to the emergency room for back pain. Everyone assumed it was nothing, until we heard the word…cancer. Charlie died just three days shy of his six month diagnosis “anniversary” on Friday, October 8, 2010. During his all-too-short battle with cancer, Charlie rarely showed the pain he was in and would comfort those around him as he suffered with this disease.
Charlie was married for 18 years, 3 months and 2 days to Jan, whom he loved very much, and they have three precious children – Mikaelie, McKinnley and Tucker. He loved life…more than anyone you have ever met. Charlie was a practical joker and had a laugh that was contagious. He was a man’s man, someone you would want with you if the chips were down, and he was a man that loved the Lord.
Charlie and Jan dreamed of going to Guatemala with their family and any friends that wanted to go. They planned to care for those who could not care for themselves. That was just who he was….a great friend who cared for others more than himself.
