William (Bill) R. Hughes, formerly of Northwood, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026. The oldest of six children, Bill was born on September 24, 1931, in a farmhouse in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to his loving parents, Forrest L. and Florence M. (George) Hughes, both preceding him in death.

Bill's greatest joy was time spent with his family, and his legacy will live on in the love, laughter and stories they carry forward. He married the love of his life, Ethel M. (Duty) Hughes, on October 13, 1956. Together they celebrated their 69th anniversary building many beautiful memories along the way. They loved every minute spent with their big, beautiful family at family gatherings and on family trips. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and on numerous Caribbean cruises and a special cruise throughout the Mediterranean visiting ports he had been at while in the Navy, snow birding in Florida and Arizona, dancing and golfing. Those they met along the way often became fast friends.

After graduating from Waite High School in 1950, Bill proudly served honorably in the United States Navy alongside his brother, Frank, during the Korean War. Throughout the four years they served, the brothers were stationed at the Boca Chica Air Base in Key West, Florida and traveled throughout the Mediterranean on the USS Basilone, D.D.E. 824, going into ports that were still mostly destroyed from World War II.

Bill worked many years in banking and finance throughout his career, retiring as Vice President and Corporate Loan Officer from First National Bank in Toledo.

Bill was a faithful member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Genoa. Over the years, he served in many roles including Vice President and President of the Consistory, Sunday School teacher and on the Steering Committee for Elderlife.

Bill was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland "Indians." On any given Saturday, Sunday or warm summer night he would be found in front of the TV watching a game.

Bill will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was so loved and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. What an incredible blessing to have him in our lives for so long.

"A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there but always a guiding light whose love shows us the way." George Webster Douglas

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ethel; daughters, Kimberly (Robert) LaClair, Kelly (John) McGaharan; son, Todd (Betsy) Hughes; grandchildren, Nicole (William) Lingle, Lindsay (Michael) Harrigan, Brad (Molly) LaClair, Jason (Erin) McGaharan, Brandon (Jennifer) McGaharan, Megan (Rob) Martinez, Bryce Hughes, Adam (Kate) Armstrong, Aaron (Morganne) Armstrong, Courtney (Ethan) DeForest; 23 treasured great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jeannine, Dorothy, Betty and Juanita Hughes.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Franklin, James, Donald and Raymond Hughes; sister, Doris (James) Swartz.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Bill's family on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, 1111 Woodville Rd, Millbury. Interment with military honors will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:00 am at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 Central Ave, Toledo, followed by a memorial service celebrating Bill's life at 11:00 am at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St, Genoa.

In lieu of flowers, those considering an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider St. John's United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St, Genoa, OH 43430.