The Suffield League tapped Warner Hughes, lifelong resident of Suffield and business man, as this year’s Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal.
Over the years, Hughes has participated and contributed to the Suffield community in many ways.
He graduated from Suffield School in 1950. In high school he excelled in all areas of sports and also acted in the school plays. He participated in, and was an officer, in Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA was instrumental in the future of running his many farms.
His friend, Fred Pero, introduced Hughes to Jane Warner who lived in Rootstown. Jane told friends, “She would never marry anyone from Suffield.” Evidently Hughes won her over. They have been happily married for 71 years and raised three children, Richard, Edith and Kenneth.
After their marriage, Hughes joined the Army and served from 1953 to 1955. While he was in the service, Jane gave birth to Richard. One humorous story they related was when Jane had Richard, the hospital staff asked her what her maiden name was for the birth certificate. She answered, “Warner.” They said no that is your husband’s name, but her maiden name was also Warner. Over the years, this same Warner name has caused much confusion and many jokes.
On his discharge from the Army, he bought a bulldozer and started his construction business. His work consisted of putting in paved streets and this also included doing the utility work. He did jobs in many area allotments, with Rivermoor Estates being one of his largest projects. He also did much contract work with various companies. Some of this work was for Goodyear, some at local plants and also at the corporate offices.
At this same time, his dad had a coal business on Waterloo Road by the railroad tracks. So, this is where Hughes started the Road Materials Inc. trucking business. He still runs the business today with the help of his grandson, Nelson Hughes, who serves as vice president. At 91 years, Hughes is at his office every day from 9 a.m. to noon.
They have a fleet of trucks and tankers which haul fertilizer and liquid asphalt all over the country. One truck, Hughes Farms, is dedicated to the farming end of business. He proudly praises Nelson for his business ability and they work closely together. In the afternoon, returning home, he continues working on both his Suffield and adjoining farm. To relax he mows his extensive lawn which usually takes a good seven hours.
In the past, between running his many businesses and farms, Hughes had time to serve the community in many capacities. He was a Suffield Township Trustee for eight years and was also on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He was always willing to assist as needed.
Both Warner and Jane are in good health for their age. So really not much slows them down. Questioned about their longevity, they contributed their 91 years to “good family genes and hard work.”
This column is not long enough; it would take a book to chronicle the many stories about the people they have met over the years or the many area historical events they have witnessed. Maybe what keeps them so mentally sharp and up to date is the fact they enjoy watching Wheel of Forune, Jeopardy, TV news and reading local newspapers including The Portager.
Bill Saal shared a funny story about Warner. Warner dug a pond for him and at that time he found out Warner was deathly afraid of snakes. Bill jokingly added that he was certain that, over the years in farming, Warner saw a lot of snakes.
They wrapped up the interview discussing their three adult children. They have all followed in Warner’s footsteps as entrepreneurs. Daughter Edith has her own business Jenlyn Feed Store in Suffield, Richard has Hughes Magic business along with other endeavors in Ravenna. Kenneth runs the other farms located in Palmyra and Beloit. They raise mostly corn and soybeans on the farms.
They have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
On good weather days, you will find them sitting outside in their shelter visiting and reminiscing with family and many friends. They welcome all to stop by for a visit and share memories of life in Suffield.
The 2024 Suffield League Memorial Day Parade on May 27 will start at 10 a.m. Parade lineup is at 9 a.m. on Old Waterloo Road between Congress Lake Road and Catherine Road in Suffield Township. The parade crosses state Route 43 and ends at Suffield Elementary/Lions Park.
After the parade a formal Memorial ceremony will be held at 11:15 a.m. at the Suffield Elementary School/Lions Park.
Most anyone can participate! Some examples: If you have a cool car/motorcycle/truck, tractor, dance, or a performance group/studios, bands, choirs, nonprofit organizations, youth sports teams, church groups, youth groups. Kids with decorated bicycles can participate in the parade. Active and former military, our current heroes, police, fire, school system workers, assistants, librarians, coaches and teachers., healthcare essential workers, NE Ohio businesses and politicians are invited to take part in the parade.
Everyone loves a parade! To participate, check the Facebook page SuffieldLeague for a registration form or contact one of the following members for information: Terry Ginn 330-472-6483 or [email protected], Tom Calcei at 330-256-8042, Kyle Kreiner at 330-628-1580 or message Suffield League Facebook, www.facebook.com/Suffield.League
To add to the Memorial Day celebration, Crafted Artisan Meadery is holding its family-friendly First Annual Memorial Day Bluegrass Picnic. To kick off the event, the Crafted Mead will have a float in the parade (tossing honey straws to the crowd). Following the parade, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They will be pouring mead and also serving it in the form of slushies. They will also serve beer and have a margarita station. The Craft Kitchen will be serving pizza slices along with the help of some food trucks
Along with the food and entertainment, Art from the Heart from Hartville will have fun craft activities for the kiddos.
The four bluegrass bands that will be playing throughout the day are: Sugar Mules, Paul Kovac’s Big Grass Band, Hunter Skeens and the Forerunners, and Great River Revival. Along with the music, time will be taken to pay respect to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving us the freedoms we have.
TICKET ARE NECESSARY TO ATTEND. To purchase tickets, go to: https://www.simpletix.com/e/crafted-memorial-day-bluegrass-picnic-tickets-162619
The Suffield Township Historical Society will hold its Annual Plant Sale next month. This fundraiser will be held on June 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the STHS Museum.
STHS is accepting any sort of gardening related items from flower pots to hand tools, lawn decorations to gloves, and any perennials you wish to donate. The only donation exceptions are any type of electric or gas-powered items. A drop box for donated items is located in front of the Museum located at 1241 S.R. 43.
For information or questions please contact Elizabeth Vence at [email protected] or call 330-354-3625.
If you have any events or information you would like to share with the community, please give me a call at 330-628-3994 or email [email protected].
