Hugh C. Hamilton

Hugh C. Hamilton, age 84, of Cherry Valley township, OH, received his angel wings on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, with his wife and daughter at his side at home.
He was born May 27, 1937, in Cleveland, OH, a son of Hugh G. and Margarette (Chovanec) Hamilton.
At the young age of 13 he moved to Cherry Valley and started his career as a farmer along with his team of work horses.  He worked for neighborhood farmers while gaining knowledge that has carried him through the years and made him the successful farmer that he became.  He attended New Lyme school and after high school received certification in transmission repair.  He worked for 3 car dealers in Andover for several years.  After the dealers sold out he leased the Gulf gas station which he operated for 4 years.
In 1959 he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Olah.  They continued their journey together while raising 3 children.  After selling the Andover Gulf station Hugh built a garage on the farm to continue his auto repair business.  At the same time he was expanding his farm.  Hugh capitalized on the nearby Cleveland market to develop a thriving hay and grain business.  He supplied the Cleveland Mounted Police horses, the Cleveland Zoo, and many stables with hay and grain he produced himself for 28 years.
Hugh had a once in a lifetime experience as visiting delegation from mainland China came to his farm in September of 1988 to see how a modern farm operated.  He was also a Callahan seed dealer for many years.  He received a great honor by being chosen Ashtabula County Farmer of the year in 2005.  He was a member of the Ohio Grange, Ohio Farm Bureau, Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, and an A.S.C.S. board member.
After his retirement in 2018 his sons and grandsons continue to operate Hamilton Farms.  It was his dream that his 3 children and wife continue his legacy.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ethyl Jeglie ; brother-in-law, Ken Jeglie; and nephew, John Jeglie.   He leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Hamilton; 3 children, Clyde (Martha) Hamilton of Jefferson,OH, Cindy Headley and Darrell Hamilton, both of Cherry Valley; 11 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 2 nieces; and his beloved dog, Peaches.

A Celebration of life service honoring Hugh will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1:00 PM with a lunch to follow at the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, 3353 State Route 6, Andover, OH 44003.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church. Those wishing to share a fond memory or condolence may visit www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com