Carl L. Stough, a longtime educator whose career included service as principal of Galion High School, died Sunday, September 6, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 92.
Stough spent much of his professional life in Ohio schools, taking on roles ranging from classroom teacher to athletic director and principal during a career marked by a willingness to step into whatever job needed to be done.
Born September 1, 1934, in Marietta, Stough was the son of Lester and Rosella Garber Stough. He married Rose Breitigan in May 1957, and she survives. Stough graduated from the University of Findlay and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Toledo. His career in education began at Bloomville School, where he taught English and served as assistant principal. He later became principal at Hopewell-Loudon before moving to Tiffin Columbian, where he served as assistant principal and athletic director.
He eventually came to Galion, where he concluded his education career as principal of Galion High School.
Stough’s work in schools extended well beyond administrative offices. Over the years, he also served as a drama coach and even drove a school bus when needed, reflecting a hands-on approach to education and school life. His connection to Galion continued after his professional career. Stough later served as a member of the Galion Board of Education.
A passion beyond the classroom
Outside education, Stough developed a longtime interest in raising and showing poultry. He became particularly accomplished at developing new varieties of show birds and was active in the Ohio Poultry Breeders Association. His work in that field ultimately earned him induction into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame.
Stough was also a veteran of the Ohio Air National Guard and was involved in a number of civic and community organizations during his life. His memberships included the Bloomville Lions Club and Seneca Lodge F&AM. His life brought together two very different worlds, education and poultry breeding, but both reflected the patience, persistence and attention to detail that characterized his work.
For generations of students, teachers and families in Galion, however, Stough will be remembered most readily from the hallways of Galion High School and from a career spent helping guide Ohio schools and the young people they served. Funeral and visitation information is available through Snyder Funeral Homes.