CENTRAL CITY – Hugh Wallace Sweatt, Jr., 78, of Central City, passed away peacefully in the presence of beloved family members Monday, March 24, 2025 at 9:17 p.m. at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro. Born September 29, 1946, at Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville to Hugh “Cy” and Helen O’Bryan Sweatt. Hugh identified as a Christian, attending St. Joseph’s Church as a child. As an adult, Hugh was a member of the First Christian Church of Central City, undergoing the ordinance of baptism by Brother C.W. Duncan.
Hugh’s love for his country was evident as he was a six-year veteran of the Kentucky Army National Guard. Affectionately known as “Mr. Central City,” Hugh was an active member of many civic and fraternal organizations and served in a multitude of leadership roles, in the Central City Jaycees, Central City Chamber of Commerce, Central City Lions Club, Central Mason Lodge #673, Rizpah Shrine Temple, and Muhlenberg County Shrine Club. Due to his love for NASCAR racing and automobiles in general, he organized the Muhlenberg County Topless Cruisers (a convertible club). The club enjoyed going on trips and dining at various locations.
The entrepreneurial spirit Hugh possessed led him to various careers which included working at First National Bank, First Federal Saving and Loan, and Lester Motors in sales and financing. His various business ventures included establishment of West Kentucky Printing, Sweatt Auto Sales, HASCO Auction and Realty, and Clark and Sweatt Realty. Along with his wife Patricia and business partners Johnny and Gail Clark, Hugh created and developed Cherry Hill Pointe subdivision over the past three decades.
His greatest professional pride and many of his most important achievements came as both a two term Central City Board of Council member and serving 13 years as Central City Mayor. His forward thinking and positive “can-do” attitude led to his efforts to successfully recruit new businesses in Central City and Muhlenberg County including the Geen River Correctional Complex, Flynn Enterprises, and XPO Transportation, thus bringing substantial job growth to the community. As Mayor, Hugh established the Central City Tourism Commission, which by his forward thinking led to many additions to Central City including the Central City Convention Center and Festival Square. Hugh led the efforts as Mayor to allow Central City to join the state retirement system for its employees. As Mayor, Hugh introduced the “take home cruiser program” for the Central City Police Department. This allowed CCPD Officers the ability to respond to emergency calls from home without having to report to the police department for a vehicle, a first in Muhlenberg County. As a founding member of the Everly Brothers Foundation, Hugh was instrumental in creating the successful annual Everly Brothers Homecoming Concert every Labor Day weekend in Central City which brought thousands of tourists to the city.
Hugh never met a stranger. His larger than life and charismatic personality was evident in his gift to communicate. He loved to tell stories and share his life experiences along with his colorful memories of growing up and living in Central City and Muhlenberg County. Everyone he met was a friend.
A devoted husband, father, brother, and grandparent, Hugh had a special loving relationship with his children and grandchildren whom they called “Pa.” Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 52 years Patricia, his three children, Terry (Sylvia) Sweatt, James Bradley Sweatt, and Jon Phillip (Jessi) Sweatt; grandchildren include Mackenzie, Abram Knox and William Isaac; step-grandchild, Erin (Kyle) Jones; and one great-grandchild, Jack Jones. He is also survived by one brother, William Joseph Sweatt.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Jim Brown officiating, assisted by Bro. Forest Deason. Masonic services will be Friday, March 28, 2025 at 6pm at the funeral home. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com
