Lloyd Baeder Wygant, 96 of Ashland passed from this life on Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026 in Wasen Rehabilitation Center at Brethren Care Village.
He was born on July 27, 1929 in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of the late Harold and Ruth (nee Baeder) Wygant.
Lloyd graduated from Ashland High School, Class of 1947. He furthered his education and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver in 1951. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two years, honorably discharged in 1953. He later earned a master’s degree in business from Baldwin Wallace in 1978.
He married the love of his life, the former Norma Hostettler on September 9, 1951.
Lloyd retired in 1997 after more than 32 years from Ashland University, where he worked in business administration. He was previously employed at Ashland Paint and Color Company, where he and Norma were the owners and operators for more than 10 years, taking over from Norma’s father.
He was an avid birder and enjoyed traveling extensively throughout his life. He volunteered at University (Samaritan) Hospital for 25 years in the emergency department. He was an active member of the Young Men’s Business Club, enjoyed time with family, and morning coffee with “the old men’s group”. He was a passionate philanthropist and loved serving the Ashland community.
Lloyd is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Mrs. Norma Wygant of Ashland; one daughter, Judy Frey of Nevada, OH; two grandchildren, Jenny (Zach) Kaple of Powell, OH and Lynn (Jeremy) Koehler of Sidney, OH; and six great grandchildren, Ellis and Sylvie Kaple and Liam, Conner, Declan, and Delaney Koehler.
In addition to his parents, Lloyd is preceded in death by two children, Keith and Kathy Wygant; and one brother, Robert (Mary) Wygant.
A private family service will be held in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Reverend Don Earlenbaugh presiding and the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Interment will be in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Keith Wygant Memorial Scholarship at the Ashland County Community Foundation, 300 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com