Hugh Victor Corry, age 90, passed away peacefully over the weekend at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He lived a remarkably full life; a life well-lived in every sense of the phrase, surrounded in his final moments by those who loved him most.
Hugh was born in Springfield, Missouri, to the late Hugh Gilmer Corry and Phyllis Zilphia Foster. He grew up in the area, attended Lebanon High School, and went on to study at the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he earned his degree in Agriculture. During his college years, he participated in ROTC, briefly played trombone in Marching Mizzou, and was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Following graduation, he served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force stationed at Loring Air Force Base. He remained a proud lifetime member of the University of Missouri Alumni Association.
Driven by a passion passed down by his mother, Hugh prioritized education, health, and family/community in all his endeavors. Known for his incredible work ethic, he was a dedicated dairy, beef, and alfalfa farmer, and served as Owner and President of HEP Supply Company.
Hugh’s leadership and civic contributions transformed the region. He served as President of the Board of Trustees for the Louise G. Wallace Hospital and later as President of the Breech Medical Center. Working alongside Sr. Roch Rocklage, Hugh was instrumental in facilitating the affiliation partnership of Breech to become part of St. John’s (now Mercy), securing the capital investment needed to build a new hospital facility for the community. For these visionary efforts, he was recognized by the Missouri Hospital Association with the 2010 Excellence in Governance Award for St. John’s Hospital in Lebanon.
The longest-serving Rotarian in Lebanon, Hugh served a term as President and received the 2022 Lifetime Service Award. As President of the Lebanon Area Foundation, one of his most notable achievements was leading the project to bring the YMCA to the Cowan Civic Center. His extensive board leadership also included serving as President of the Laclede County Public Water Supply District, President of the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, and as a founding contributor to the Lebanon Education Foundation.
Beyond his civic commitments, Hugh actively supported the Lebanon Concert Association, sang in the church choir, and served faithfully as a long-time trustee at the First Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ. Known for his dry sense of humor, he enjoyed simple pleasures: in his quiet hours, he could often be found reading The Wall Street Journal or driving a tractor on the farm. Above all, he was cherished as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a “fun uncle” to many.
In keeping with his character and practical outlook on life, Hugh didn’t want people to dwell in sadness over his passing. As he put it, he wished for loved ones to simply “say a few things about what I did, a bit more about who I was, and don’t be sad for too long. Grab a beer (or a Scotch), give a toast, and then get up the next day and go back to work.”
Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Maggie Palmer of Lebanon, MO; his daughter, Allison Corry and her spouse, Marc Gallman, of Sandy, UT; his sister, Mary (and her late spouse, Ron Worley) of Dexter, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Frank Corry, and his sister-in-law Judy Corry.
Service and Memorial Details
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the First Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ at 180 Harwood Ave, Lebanon, MO 65536. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to share a favorite memory, story, moment of laughter or kindness featuring Hugh. The family will be compiling these shared written memories into a special Book of Memories to treasure for generations to come.
