Kevin James McHugh, 72, lost his lengthy battle with cancer and peacefully took his last breath at Veterans Memorial Hospital with his loving children by his side on July 26, 2023.

Kevin was the fourth of eight children born to Virgil Elmer McHugh and Mary Caroline McHugh (nee Brunot) on December 6th, 1950 at Firmin Desloge Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Kevin attended Corpus Christi grade school in St. Louis, MO. He left high school to enlist in the US Navy, earned his diploma while serving, and was honorably discharged in '71. He was a lifelong, proud member of the Rathole Family where he excelled in his fishing and poker skills. He was always quick with a joke, words of wisdom and a steadfast shoulder to lean on.  For many years he managed the Library Lounge bar in Jefferson City, and was every patron's favorite bartender at the Howdy Club in Fulton, and the SOB (Steedman's Only Bar) in Steedman. He will be affectionately remembered as an avid and loyal Cardinals fan, impassioned angler, and most importantly a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and brother.

Kevin is predeceased by his parents, sister Patricia Michelle Hahn (Arthur) of St. Charles, MO, and brother Charles Joseph McHugh of Nevada, MO.  He is survived by his daughter, Danielle Sarah Lawson (Sean) of Columbia, MO, his son Jared August McHugh (Jennifer) of Springfield, MO, brothers Hilary Jay McHugh of Fulton, MO, and Michael John McHugh (Tina) of Alsey, IL, sisters Kathleen Caroline McHugh (Mariann Felcyn) of Folsom, CA, Mary Evelyn McHugh (Robert Mailman) of Vista, CA, and Jennifer Jean Kuhlman (Steve Pape) of Desoto, MO, and sister-in-law Connie McHugh of Nevada, MO. Kevin leaves behind seven grandchildren; Ash Martin-McHugh, Maverick McHugh, Orion Lawson, Silas Lawson, Miles Lawson, Seanix Lawson and Kylea Lawson. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Services for Kevin will be held at 2:15 pm on August 18, 2023 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 West Sheridan Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63125. A celebration of life will be held the following day from 12-4pm at Jefferson Memorial VFW Post 3777, 900 VFW drive, Festus, Missouri 63028.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that you keep his memory alive by planting a tree in his honor