Columbus, OH — William Harold Hogue Jr., 89, died Sept. 16, 2024.
Mr. Hogue was born to William Harold Sr. and Virginia (Warner) of Croton, Ohio, on Aug. 1, 1935, at White Cross hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up on the dairy farm, raising cattle and crops. He learned from a young age how to have a great work ethic. He had several passions in his life.
One of these loves was to farm the land. He said, “I love the smell of freshly turned dirt.” He found great joy in planting beans, corn, and wheat and watching them grow. He equally enjoyed the harvest, seeing the yields of his dedicated work.
Early in his life, he began showing steers at various fairs and this kindled his love of livestock. He attended The Ohio State University studying animal science and joined the Ohio State judging team. During his life, he judged steer shows at many county fairs throughout the state of Ohio. He also served as auctioneer at the Hartford Fair steer sale for over 50 years.
He was most passionate, however, about horses. Rare was a conversation that he did not talk about horses. He loved harness racing the most, attending 70 Little Brown Jugs. He loved to watch the horses, and he was partial to the pacers. He worked as a ringman at horse sales in Lexington, Ky., for over 50 years.
Greater than these three was his love for his family and friends. He never met a stranger and almost always saw someone he knew no matter where he was. He always said, “Your word is your bond.” And he lived this out in his life.
He loved his Barbie (Barb) the most, having been married for 58 years. He was a wonderful father to Mark (Dedra) and Heather (Matt) Barber and an amazing Papa to his grandchildren, Jeremiah, Isabella, Abigail Barber, and Audrey Barber.
Above all, he had a personal relationship with His Savior, Jesus Christ. He knew his home was not here but in heaven with Jesus. He would want you to know Him too.
Arrangements were made with Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel in Sunbury, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday (Sept. 19) from 4-7 p.m. A funeral ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Matt Yoder on Friday (Sept. 20) at the Grace Polaris Church at 11 a.m. with an hour of calling beforehand, starting at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend. The family will hold a private family graveside service at Eastview Cemetery following services.