Hugh Walker Sterling

Brother Hugh Walker Sterling was born to the late Minor and Katie Sterling on August 27, 1927 in Lexington, Kentucky . He passed into eternal rest early Monday morning, September 23, 2024, at the Veterans Hospital on Cooper Drive after a brief illness . Hugh, often known as “Uncle Hugh” or “Brother Sterling,” attended school in the Fayette County Public School system, and left early to begin his military career in the United States Army . Among his many active duties, Hugh served on the front lines in the Korean War Conflict and was recognized with many awards including the prestigious Purple Heart . After returning from the war, Hugh was employed by many hospitals and healthcare facilities . He worked as an orderly and enjoyed assisting those in need . He loved people and particularly enjoyed making them laugh . He brought smiles to many patients’ faces as he transported them to surgery and other procedures at St . Joseph’s and Good Samaritan hospitals as well as the Julius Marks Sanatorium . After an early retirement, Hugh spent time in Louisville, Kentucky with his oldest sister, Margerite, and her family . He became active at her church and often volunteered with the culinary ministry . Hugh also spent time visiting his younger sister, Jean and her family in Detroit, Michigan . After spending time traveling and visiting with family, Hugh decided to return to Lexington and try apartment living at the Connie Griffin Manor Senior Living Facility . It was while living there that one Sunday morning he decided to walk to Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church for that morning’s worship service . That day, he decided to rededicate his life to Christ and be baptized . The Late Rev . Dr . T .H . Peoples, Jr . performed the baptism with assistance from Hugh’s nephew-in-law, Rev . Wendell Emerson . After spending a few years living on his own, Hugh realized that his health issues created a need for more assistance in his daily life . It was then that he moved to Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, Kentucky . This long-term facility has served more than 2,782 veterans from all branches of the armed forces since its opening in 1991 . Hugh loved living at Thomson-Hood and at the time of his passing he resided in the Eisenhower Unit . He participated in every available program and activity offered to him . He specifically loved attended the chapel services on Sundays when he couldn’t travel to Lexington to attend services at his home church . He would go to the chapel to hear the Word of God preached, listen to the music and he especially enjoyed hearing Chaplin Philip Mejcher read his favorite scripture, Psalm 23 . It seemed like everyone at Thomson-Hood knew Hugh and many friendships were developed . He will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him! In addition to his parents, Hugh was preceded in death by his brothers, Minor (Beulah) Sterling and Robert (Laura) Sterling; and two sisters, Margerite (Anderson James) Brookins and Cynthia (Lee Morris) Jackson . Hugh leaves to cherish his memory, his sister, Jean (Eugene) Whitely; his caregivers and special niece and nephew, Dr . Alyce and Rev . Wendell Emerson; numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; the Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church Family; as well as the many patients, medical staff and friends he met during his residency at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center .

Hugh Walker Sterling

August 27, 1927 - September 23, 2024

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Hugh Walker Sterling

August 27, 1927 - September 23, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support