David R. Hufford

Dave was a committed teacher, believing that it was important to “teach how your students learn.” He always made the extra effort to be sure that his students were well prepared when they left his automotive classroom or his college vocational education classroom. He loved teaching and his students appreciated his commitment to them. He was always willing to help anyone and generous to friends and family. He was also a bit of a hoarder, especially loving to find treasures of family and local history.

Dave attended Perrysburg High School, where he distinguished himself in football, basketball, and track, graduating in 1953. He still holds the record for the 100 yard dash and the 440, because they don’t run those races anymore. Later in life he was an avid bowler, rolling at least five 300 games and many other perfect and high scoring games. Dave was a gun enthusiast and Life Member of the NRA. He also was a member of the American Legion.

Dave proudly served four years in the US Air Force and is recognized as a WWII veteran because he served at Hahn AFB in Germany before Germany regained their sovereignty. He also served at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. Before leaving for Germany he married his high school sweetheart Marjorie Zoll and when he was discharged he returned to Perrysburg with Marjorie and their two children. He set up business at a Gulf Service station in Oregon, OH while attending college at the University of Toledo using the GI Bill. He served as City Councilman for the City of Oregon for six years.

He taught auto mechanics at Penta County Vocational School, Clay High School and EHOVE Career Center. He assisted in the planning of the new Apollo Joint Vocational School in Lima and then served as Dean of Industrial Technology at Owens Community College. He later joined the faculty of the Vocational Education Department of the College of Education at the University of Toledo. There he was a Teacher Educator, working with new vocational teachers throughout NW Ohio.

After his final retirement at 83, he continued his life-long passion for helping others. He enjoyed cutting grass and doing yard work for many people in the area. He also loved to walk his beloved dog, Timmy, and conversing with the neighbors along the way. Dave loved his home in Rossford and could often be found at Moe’s Place being greeted by his many friends. He was an avid OSU football fan and many a weekend would find he and his wife Marge in their recliners enjoying the games.

Dave is survived by his wife Marge; children, Sally, David, Jill; grandchildren, Becky Plank, Brenda Braswell, Jake Norton, Tiffany Seigler, Tara Cotten, Tanya Hufford, TJ Hufford, Emma Tuthill, Sara Tuthill; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, James and Edward Hufford; many nieces and nephews; and Tom Carr who considers Dave his “Best Buddy in the Whole World.”

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Elizabeth; his former wife Darla; his brothers Douglas and Thomas.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 29, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Monday, December 30, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home on East S. Boundary in Perrysburg. A short service will follow visitation on Monday, at 11:00 am., at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg.

Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.