Columbus, OH — John Michael “Mike” Hughes, 79, of Delaware, Ohio, died March 1, 2024, in the comfort of his family at his home.

He was born Jan. 2, 1945, to the late Harry and Mildred (Hux) Hughes. He was born in Lima, Ohio, but knew from a young age he wanted to be a farmer. The family moved to Delaware in 1954. This is where his first career love, his love of farming and raising dairy cattle, took off.

It was at Bellepoint School where he would meet his future wife, Barbara, and from then on, even though she moved to Southern Ohio, he knew she was the one. They were married in 1964.

Mr. Hughes attended Scioto Valley High School, where he was involved in FFA, winning many awards, and participated in basketball and baseball. After graduating in 1963, He continued farming and raising dairy cattle.

It was in 1974 when his second career love began — training Standardbreds. The dairy ended and horses began. He was a skilled trainer and won many awards throughout his career.

After a long career training horses, he retired and found his third career love — the game of golf. He truly loved playing golf and made numerous friends along the way.

Mr. Hughes was so proud of his son Todd, and his daughter Cindy, but his grandchildren Bryer and Bryce brought a new dimension of love and pride to his life. He was a wonderful grandpa, never missing an event either were involved in and being especially proud of their college accomplishments, looking forward to their graduations.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Barbara; son, Todd; daughter, Cindy (Tom) Smith; and grandchildren, Bryer Smith and Bryce Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Health Foundation to support Ohio Health Hospice.

The family will be planning a celebration of life in the future.

The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center of Delaware is assisting the family.