Hubert Giles Wideman

MAJOR HUBERT GILES WIDEMAN II
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 08 ("Panthers")

Hubert Giles Wideman II—known affectionately to classmates and friends as “Giles,” “Gike,” or “Hugie”—was born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Perrysburg. He attended Perrysburg High School, where he distinguished himself as a standout student-athlete on the football field.

Following high school graduation, Giles received a congressional appointment from an Ohio congressman to join the inaugural class of the newly established United States Air Force Academy in 1955.

ACADEMY YEARS & FALCON FOOTBALL

At the Academy, Giles was assigned to Cadet Squadron 08. Known for his academic aptitude, he excelled in German and maintained a strong academic record. However, his defining cadet memory was on the gridiron.

Giles was quickly added to the Air Force Falcons football team as a tackle. He played a pivotal role during the legendary 1958 season, in which the Falcons went undefeated and earned an invitation to the 1958 Cotton Bowl against TCU. His exceptional athletic contributions and leadership on the gridiron later earned him induction into the Air Force Academy Football Hall of Fame.

MILITARY SERVICE & FLYING CAREER

Upon graduating with the historic Class of 1959, Major Wideman entered pilot training. Over his 23 to 25 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, his flying career took him around the globe:

• Command Pilot & Reconnaissance: Flew long-range B-52 Stratofortress bombers as well as specialized reconnaissance aircraft on strategic operational missions worldwide.

• USAFA Coaching: Returned to his alma mater in Colorado Springs to serve as a football coach, mentoring future generations of Air Force cadets.

Major Wideman retired from active duty at the rank of Major (O-4).

SECOND CAREER IN EDUCATION & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Following his military retirement, Giles transitioned to public education, earning his high school mathematics teaching certification through Bowling Green State University.

He began his civilian teaching career at Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio, where his dedication led to his appointment as Mathematics Department Chairman. While widely recognized for his military and athletic honors, Giles often noted that his greatest professional satisfaction came from seeing his former students succeed in life and become productive members of their communities.

Giles was a devoted member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg—where his mother, Hilda, served as church secretary for 42 years and where he spent many happy hours. He actively participated in numerous Air Force veteran organizations and Ohio educational associations.

"Of all the roles Giles played such as teacher, pilot, athlete, none was as dear to his heart as dad and grandpa."

FAMILY LEGACY
Above all his professional achievements, Giles treasured his role as a devoted father and grandfather. He passed away in 2013, surrounded by his family after a long health battle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Giles Wideman and Hilda (Kazmier) Wideman, brother Frederick, and granddaughter Hope. He is survived by his wife, Jean A. (McIntyre-Grapp) Wideman; daughter, Jennifer A. Wideman-Willey; grandchildren Abby, Ethan, Isabel, and Lily; as well as stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and extended family.



EDUCATION

• B.S., United States Air Force Academy (Class of 1959)

• USAF Primary & Basic Pilot Training

• High School Mathematics Teaching Certification, Bowling Green State University


PRIMARY SPECIALTY
Command Pilot (B-52 Stratofortress, Reconnaissance Aircraft), USAFA Football Coach

HONORS & AWARDS

• USAFA Football Hall of Fame Inductee

• 1958 Undefeated Falcon Football Team & 1958 Cotton Bowl Tackle

• National Defense Service Medal & USAF Flying / Operational Service Ribbons

CIVILIAN CAREER

Mathematics Teacher & Department Chairman, Scott High School (Toledo, OH)