William Arthur Hughes, Jr., who left a legacy of selfless service and unwavering dedication to his passions, passed away peacefully in his Spearfish home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the blessed age of 92. Born February 20, 1933, he was raised by his parents, William Arthur Hughes, Sr. and Margaret Mary (Keller) Hughes, on the family farm near Richville, MN. Bill worked hard and enjoyed adventures with his siblings James, Kenneth, Jeanette, Patricia, and Marsh.

In 1951, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17. He was assigned to the 6910th Security Group at Darmstadt, Germany. After his service, he received his Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University in 1958. Later that fall, Bill began his teaching and coaching career at Spearfish High School. During his seven years at Spearfish High, Bill taught everything from business to physical education, and even driver's education. He coached football, wrestling, and track. Bill's SHS grapplers won three state championships during his tenure as head wrestling coach. While teaching at SHS, he met a student teacher, Linda Claire Novotny, who was an ambitious and determined professional in her own right. They married on December 28, 1961, in Winner, SD. Bill and Linda were married for 63 years, building a life together grounded in love, strength, and a shared commitment to their family and community.

In 1965, Bill received his Master of Arts from University of Northern Colorado and joined the staff at Black Hills State College. He taught health, physical education, and served as head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, and baseball coach. Bill's heart was fully invested in the wrestling program at Black Hills State University. As head wrestling coach, he turned the program into a powerhouse, instilling a strong work ethic and passion for the sport in every wrestler he mentored. His teams were successful, reflecting his unwavering commitment and leadership. Bill's influence extended far beyond the wrestling mat. He became a tireless advocate for Black Hills State athletics, dedicating countless hours to raising funds and supporting the university's athletic programs. His fundraising efforts were legendary, and he worked relentlessly to ensure the success of young athletes. Many of his former wrestlers still called him "Coach" and remained in touch, testament to the lasting impact he had on their lives.

After 29 years of dedicated service, Bill retired from Black Hills State University. However, his passion for the university and its students never waned. Bill was a constant presence at Black Hills State, attending events, cheering on the Yellowjackets, and working behind the scenes to ensure student-athletes had the resources and support they needed to succeed both academically and athletically. Bill's devotion to young athlete-scholars was truly remarkable—he believed deeply in the importance of education and athletics working hand in hand, and he devoted much of his life to helping student-athletes achieve their dreams.

Bill also served his community in numerous ways. His community service included The American Legion Post 164 for six decades, The Knights of Columbus, and Black Hills State Green and Gold, to name a few. You could always find Bill cooking pancakes at church or for the Black Hills State football team. Bill was honored in four Hall of Fames: the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, the Black Hills State University Hall of Fame, and the Spearfish High School Hall of Fame.

Bill's professional accomplishments were extraordinary; however, his greatest achievement was his family. Above all, he cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He took immense pride in supporting his children through every milestone—whether it was a sporting event, graduation, wedding, the birth of a new grandchild, a piano recital, or a theatrical production. Bill was always there, cheering them on with unwavering love and encouragement. He found joy in their successes and was deeply proud of how they continue to carry on his legacy, living lives full of purpose, dedication, and heart—just as he did. His family was his proudest accomplishment, and he was a constant source of strength and inspiration to them all.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, and their four children: Doug (Paige) Hughes, David (Cathy) Hughes, Theresa (Paul) Ferdinand, and William (Tamra) Hughes; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his three sisters, Jeanette Hoy, Patricia (Donald) Freeman, and Marsh Hughes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill may be gone, but not far away. He's at the gym and the athletic fields, cheering on his favorite teams. He's on the golf course, working on his putting game. He's in the kitchen, rinsing dishes for Linda, and he might just be seated in his comfy recliner "resting his eyes." Bill, you can hoot with the owls and soar with the eagles all you want now.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers. Bill and Linda's wish is to continue helping to provide for student-athletes at Black Hills State University, as well as their beloved St. Joseph's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Bill and Linda Hughes Black Hills State University Yellowjacket Foundation Athletic Scholarship or to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Spearfish, SD, honoring and remembering Bill's favorite saying: "You shouldn't go through life with catcher's mitts on both hands…you need to be able to throw something back!"

Visitation will be held from 4–6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Holy Rosary will follow at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the church. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the US Air Force and the Spearfish Honor Guard.

The Hughes family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all their family and friends for extending their love and support.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com