Hugh McPheeters ’64

Hugh died Jan. 26, 2022, in St. Louis, where he lived his entire life, with Muffy, his wife of 58 years, and their son, Jamie, at his side. 

At Princeton, where he majored in history and wrote his thesis on Herbert Hoover, Hugh was a member or Tower Club and a resident of the famous Witherspoon Heights. Among his roommates were fellow St. Louisans Tom Singer, Harry Weber, and Denny Wedemeyer. Hugh will be missed by all who knew him. He was a unique and unforgettable character.

Following graduation from Princeton and law school at Washington University, Hugh practiced law in St. Louis with the firm of Bryan, Cave, McPheeters & McRoberts. After retiring, he enjoyed the beautiful countryside on his farm in Cuba, Mo., and dedicated himself to many eclectic projects, such as restoring the historic Goldenrod Showboat and bringing it back to life on the St. Louis riverfront.

Hugh was passionately interested in history and its relationship to his faith. He had an abiding love for music of all kinds, particularly early forms of jazz.

Hugh and Muffy had a marriage touched with tragedy, sadly enduring the deaths of three children: Hughie, Filley, and Thornton. Jamie, their sole surviving child, lives close to his mother in St. Louis.