Charles Edward Hughes Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Charles Edward "Ed” Hughes, 88, of Grove City, Ohio, passed away January 23, 2022 due to complications of Covid in StoryPoint of Grove City, where he resided over 3 years.Ed was born March 4, 1933 on a farm in rural Arkansas, the youngest of five children, to Roy Edmund and Ruth Ophelia (Taylor) Hughes. Raised during the depression years, Ed and siblings didn’t know they were poor. As he said later, “We thought we were lucky we didn’t have to wear shoes at home; only when we went to school or church.” His childhood prized possessions were a BB gun and a bicycle given to him by his favorite uncle, Ed, for whom he was named.He graduated Murfreesboro High School “the Rattlers” in 1951 where he was the captain and quarterback of the football team; also lettering in basketball. In his senior year, he enlisted in the Air Force, leaving after graduation and served May, 1951 - May, 1955, stationed at several bases in the U.S. including Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio, and overseas in London England and Iceland, loading bombs on the aircraft he maintained.While in Columbus, Ed met “the love of his life”, Dorothy Ann Klarman, who he married in May, 1954, and together, raised their four children. After the Air Force, he worked his entire career for the FAA based at Port Columbus Airport, responsible for the repair and maintenance of radar installations around the State of Ohio.Ed is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy, who he cared for after her stroke and dementia for several years. Also, his brothers Roy Edmund Jr., Richard L, and Donald T; his sister Ruby Ledenia (Hughes) Bradshaw. Sons: John Charles Hughes and Daniel Joseph Hughes. Surviving are two daughters: Kathleen Marie (Ron) Bettin of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Jennifer Lynn (Michael) Ashburn of Murrysville, PA. Grandchildren: Benjamin (Dr. Carrie) Bettin of Grove City, Ohio, Dr. Clayton (Dr. Kristen) Bettin of Memphis, TN, and August Ashburn of Murrysville, PA. Great Grandchildren: siblings Alyssa, Sawyer, Silas and Aria Bettin of TN.Ed loved OSU football and rarely missed a game. Over the years, he enjoyed attending games with his son Daniel, Grandsons Clayton and Benjamin, and in later years (thanks to Carl Scheiderer) with his daughter Kathy. He and his wife Dorothy enjoyed attending their grandson’s school, band and sporting events, and spent many happy years of their retirement, traveling the US in their Allegro motor home to many of the nation’s state parks, hiking and sightseeing. They loved Hawaii, and for a number of years, visited there for extended stays.Ed was a generous, loving, kind-natured man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to family or friend. He loved soaking up the sun while working in his yard and could repair anything! He could be seen walking around Grove City with his backpack on, going to the bank, post office, grocery and always picking up any nut or bolt along the way, just in case he could use it later for something! During the 5 years after his wife's passing, he spent 4 months each winter in Arizona with his kids, Kathy and Ron Bettin. He loved the sun, the pool, walking and bicycling the community and bike paths. When his dementia got the upper hand where he could no longer live safely on his own, he moved into StoryPoint Grove City memory care, where he daily walked the halls for exercise! Ed was still able to take outings for a year or so, with his daughter Kathy, to the zoo, OSU games, bike rides, and hiking in the parks. He enjoyed watching Turner Classic Movies, and eating every meal…and sometimes more than one. He was on Hospice for over a year, but “graduated” early December past, because he was no longer declining. We all thought nothing could slow Ed down. But then Covid arrived at the StoryPoint Grove City memory care.We would like to thank Dr. Robert Schaffer of the VA Grove City office for his years of wonderful care; Capital City Hospice staff, especially Eman Alva and nurses Julie, Denise and Monica for all their love and support. Also, the family’s special friend Paul Benak. Per Ed's wishes there will be no funeral or services. If you want to remember Ed, take a walk in the sun with your family!!!

Charles Edward Hughes

March 4, 1933 - January 23, 2022