William Andrew Hughes

William Andrew Hughes (1949–2026)

William Andrew “Andy” Hughes, known to many as Bill, 76, passed away on Wednesday January 21st, 2026, at his home in Orient, Ohio, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

William was born on July 5th, 1949, in Delaware, Ohio, where he grew up the third youngest in a family of five children. When he was twelve years old the family moved to Glouster, Ohio, where he graduated as a Tomcat of Glouster High School in 1967.

After graduation, William enlisted into the United States Army on March 15th, 1968. William was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for his basic training. Though he joked that he “failed the infantry section” of his ASVAB, his knack for thinking and problem solving granted him the opportunity to choose his occupation, to which he chose welding. After basic training and a short time of leave, he was sent to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland for welding school. Upon graduation from Aberdeen, he was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he put his engineering skills to work and perfecting his craft as a welder, adapting to the challenges of life and service in Alaska. It was in Alaska that William learned he would be getting deployed to Vietnam after a time of leave. He made the most of his time at home, getting married to his high school sweetheart, Mary Cartwright, on February 21st, 1970. William was deployed to Vietnam with Company C, 169th Engineer Battalion, United States Army Pacific, where he operated a welding and fabrication shop near the Cambodian border. During his eleven months in country, he rose to the rank of Specialist Five (E-5) before being honorably discharged on March 5th, 1971.

After returning home, William built a life defined by service, skill, and quiet generosity. He worked as a welder in multiple fabrication shops, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Deer Creek State Park, as a scuba diver for the Pickaway County Underwater Recovery Team, The Village of Mount Sterling as Village Administrator and later as a corrections officer at Madison Correctional Institute in London, Ohio, a career from which he eventually retired. No matter the role, he brought the same steady professionalism and sense of duty that had guided him in the Army.

In retirement, William became an avid woodworker and true jack of all trades. There was little he could not fix or build, and he had a toolbox for every craft—electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and carpentry alike. If someone called needing help, he grabbed that toolbox and went, no matter the weather or the time.

Above all, William was a devoted grandfather. He never missed a football, wrestling, basketball, or baseball game, proudly cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines. He was known for taking them to practice, sitting through every drill with his walker beside him and a cooler full of extra water for any child or parent who needed it. All three of his grandsons followed in his footsteps on the football field, and his granddaughter shined in band and as a cheerleader. His presence was constant, his support unwavering.

Caring, selfless, and dependable, William lived by a simple rule: others came first. That was the measure of the man he was, and the legacy he leaves behind.

William was a member of The American Legion Post #417, VFW Post #11208, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1095.

William is preceded in death by his father Henry P. Hughes and his sister Elizabeth Ann (Gary) Harry, his father & mother law Edward & Flossie Cartwright and his sister-in-law Sharon Hill.

William is survived by his mother Betty P. Burdette Hughes, his wife of fifty-six years Mary H. Cartwright Hughes, his children Stacy (Don) Maple and Tracy Probasco, his four grandchildren Matt (Madison) Maple, Andrew Maple, Brooklyn and Hunter Probasco, and his one great-grandson Quinton Ray Maple. He is also survived by his sisters Loretta (John) McAllister and Becky (Richard) Gustina, his brother Dick (Laura) Hughes, his sister-in-law Karen Robinson and several nieces and nephews.                                                                                                                        Family will receive friends from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.on THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026 at the PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 331 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143 (740)- 869-9777 where his Funeral Service will follow the visitation hours and begin at 1:00p.m. THURSDAY with Pastor Dickie Lugenbeel, officiating.  William will be laid to rest immediately after the service with Military Honors at Muhlenburg Cemetery, Darbyville, OH.

After the graveside services, family and friends are invited to gather at the Darby Township Office Building located at 12049 London Road, Orient, Ohio 43164.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Griswald Home Care and Capital City Hospice.