Hugh Alvin McDermitt
(9/6/1932 – 11/25/2023)

Hugh Alvin McDermitt, 91, of Rochelle, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Hugh was born in Elwood, Indiana, the son of Hugh and Grace Anna (Williams) McDermitt. Raised on a farm, he enjoyed many boyhood antics with his cousins and attended Tipton High School, Tipton, Indiana.  After graduating in May of 1950, he attended Purdue University before joining the United States Marines where he served as a Sergeant in the Air Wing in Korea.  During his service he was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, United National Service Medal and the Korean MDC Good Conduct Commendation.

As a Senior in high school a cute little Sophomore clarinet player caught Hugh's eye.  As it turned out, Margaret Anna (Ann) Martinson, was to be the love of his life. The two married on December 20,1953. The couple originally resided in Washington, D.C., until Hugh's honorable discharge.

He began his civilian career by working for the Farm Bureau, followed by Avco New Idea where he advanced to management, then Cub Cadet until 1997. At that time, Hugh established his own handyman service and employed each of his 13 grandchildren over the years, imparting his strong work ethic and important life skills.

In retirement, Hugh found great passion and joy in serving the Rochelle community through the American Legion where he served as Commander and Adjutant, and the Kiwanis Golden K where he served as President and was awarded numerous honors. He was particularly proud of his activity with the Kiwanis Builders' Club in local schools.

Anyone who knew him knew Hugh to be a proud veteran and patriot.  His buddies will miss him at daily morning coffee. He was a longstanding member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle. The epitome of a gentleman, Hugh was a hard act for his daughters' suitors to follow.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Joseph Large. He is survived by his bride of 70 years, Ann McDermitt of Rochelle; his sister, Phyllis McDermitt of Ohio; his daughters: Dianna (Juan) Roman of Indiana, Brenda (Darl Strable) Hart and Donna (Reid) Elliot of Illinois; 12 grandchildren: Seth (Rachelle) Large, Christopher (Brandi) Large, Thaddeus (Destiny) Large, Alissa (Hector Ledezma) Large, Amy (Juan Ramirez) Large, Jessica (Alfredo) Cedeño, Jeremy (Alyson Mason) Hart, Kyle (Kelsy) Hart, Rachel (Mark) Lynch, Westin Elliot, Hannah Elliot, and Mattea Elliot; 22 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three honorary daughters: Alicia Colombres, Ana Maria Sosa Paèz, and Delia Lopez; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. on Friday, December 1, 2023 and 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 2, immediately preceding the funeral at 11:00 A.M., all at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle, Illinois.  Burial will follow the service at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in care of Unger-Horner Funeral Home.  Visit www.ungerhoner.com to sign the online guest book.