William "Bill" A. Huston

William “Bill” Huston, September 14, 1962 – October 31, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William “Bill” Huston (64) of Dresden, Ohio.

Not a man easily summed up in a few sentences, Bill was born an extrovert and exceptional storyteller, Bill had a way of drawing people in, whether through a good story, a quick-witted joke, or simply an invitation to stay awhile. He loved to laugh, loved to talk, and rarely met a stranger. He held strong opinions and firmly believed the world was better off for having heard what he had to say.

Bill was raised on a family farm in Clyde, Ohio where he developed a lifelong love for agriculture. He built his career around his passion, spending nearly 30 years at the USDA Farm Service Agency where he was the County Executive Director for Muskingum and Morgan Counties. Bill also served on special assignment with the USDA and the State Department as Agricultural Advisor in Diyala Province, Iraq from 2008 to 2009.

At home, Bill took tremendous pride in what he grew on his family farm and was never shy about telling anyone who would listen about his exceptional sweet corn, peppers, tomatoes, melons, and pumpkins. His produce often earned blue ribbons at the Muskingum County Fair, and Bill proudly declared himself the “Biggest Farmer in Muskingum County,” though he was quick to clarify that the title was measured by waistline, not acreage. The farm gave him something he valued deeply: meaningful work, a connection to the land, and, most importantly, people.

Saturday farmers markets were a highlight of his week. Bill was in his element there, catching up with familiar faces, meeting new people, sharing stories, and, of course, showing off his produce, dogs and most importantly, his daughters, Meghan and McKenzie. It was here that he taught them many valuable skills, like the fundamentals of customer service, the proper way to count back change, and the art of upselling red potatoes to someone who came to buy green beans. “If you’re going to buy beans, they go great with potatoes!” He believed strongly in knowing where your food came from and in the importance of supporting local farmers.

In earlier years, Bill especially loved welcoming schoolchildren to the pumpkin patch. He taught the “city kids” that Velcro was inspired by burrs, encouraged them to taste wild spearmint, and explained the importance of bees in food production. He had a way of turning an ordinary farm visit into an impromptu lesson on whatever else Bill thought they ought to know that day, complete with stories, demonstrations, and plenty of personality.

Bill was generous and had a gift for making people feel welcome. The farm was rarely without visitors, and the barn was always open to friends, neighbors, and people he had met along the way. He had a particular soft spot for those who needed a little help. Stray animals frequently found their way into his care, and so did people going through difficult times. Bill simply made room. His compassion was not always formal or conventional, but it was genuine. That spirit of community also extended beyond the farm through his involvement with the Muskingum County Republican Club and Foodworks Alliance in Zanesville.

Bill was a man of many interests and endless curiosity. He had a knack for knowing a little about most things. That curiosity led him to many side interests and numerous new projects — though rarely a finished one. However, through this curiosity, he earned his private pilot's license, owned Yoder’s Farm Market, and dabbled in creating his own line of salsas, pickles, and hot sauces.

Bill shared 24 years with the love of his life, Kristin, whom he adored. She was his companion through life's adventures and his much more competent golf partner. For him, it was love at first sight and Bill would frequently say that Kris was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Their dogs, Cooper, Gwen, and Buckley, will miss him too. Bill loved his animals wholeheartedly and had a remarkable way with dogs.

In addition to Kris, Bill is survived by his daughters, Meghan (Derek) Ulsh and McKenzie Kaufmann, and Kris' daughter, Beth (Doug) Baker. As a father, Bill instilled in his daughters the value of hard work and the belief that they could accomplish whatever they set their minds to. He encouraged them to be capable, independent, and ambitious. His daughters carry with them the lessons he imparted and many memories of the good times.

Bill was also a proud grandfather to Isla and Dalton Ulsh and grandpets Tula and Nina. He is survived by his siblings: Melanie (Tim) Taylor, Melinda (Dean) Auxter, and Ronald (Deb) Huston; brothers-in-law: Craig Elliott and Dave Elliott; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marilyn (née Murphy) Huston of Clyde, Ohio and Kris’s parents Carol and Roger Elliott of Zanesville.

Bill leaves behind many friends who will remember his larger-than-life personality. The family would especially like to recognize and thank Leonard Hubert, Andy Knight, Colonel Tim Connor, Tim & Lori Thacker, and Josh Jernigan for their friendship, kindness, and support of Bill, particularly during the final chapter of his life. Their presence and generosity meant a great deal.

As a means of “not wasting good farm land,” Bill chose cremation. Family and friends may visit 1:00-4:00pm, Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil | Wagner | Marshall Funeral Homes, 714 Main Street, Dresden.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 4:00pm, Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Dan Wells officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Muskingum County 4-H https://muskingum.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/4-h-endowment-fund or the Muskingum County Humane Society.