On May 16, 2022 Edward “Dexter” Hubel passed away peacefully on his farm in Clare, Michigan. He lived an adventurous 84 years. Dexter is survived by his wife Judy Hubel; his children Becky Gibbs (Tom), Connie Miller (John), and Edward John Hubel; his grandchildren Jenny Thomas (Pat), Clint Shattuck (Beth), Kelsey Shattuck, Justin Miller (Emma), Caley Miller, Cami Miller, Bailey Hubel, Peyton Hubel, and Hayden Hubel; great grandchildren Averi, Ivy, Brice, and Rylee; nephew Terry Hubel and daughter in law Kris Hubel. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Edward Hubel and Elleda Hubel, and his brother Richard Hubel. At heavens gate he was welcomed by two of his favorite horses, Gilded Queen and Dark Crow, and his dog Geronimo.
Dexter was born March 29, 1938. He lived the majority of his life on the 138-year-old farm in Clare, Michigan. Dexter was a successful cowboy. The titles he was proudest of are the 1970 Mid-West Cowboy Association Bareback Champion as well as the 1970 MWA Runner-Up All-Around Cowboy. He proudly wore his championship buckle on his personally hand-crafted leather belt. Dexter was a blacksmith and a highly respected thoroughbred owner, breeder, and trainer, winning over 500 races throughout his career. He was a horse whisperer with the “whisper” usually spoken loud and clear.
Dexter loved to tell a story, could ride a rank horse, and often did both at the same time. If there was a dance floor, he would be on it. He and his lifelong dance partner Judy would be center stage all night. Dexter couldn’t work an oven and didn’t have a cell phone, but he never missed a meal or conversation. Race horses paid the bills, but his passion was helping young kids at a local show or the county fair developing horsemanship skills. In his later years his favorite places were against the fence at the Clare County Fair, in a lawn chair by left field of a softball game, or at the top row of the bleachers supporting his grandchildren.
Dexter will be remembered by his family, wearing a straw hat and plaid shirt with a dull knife, sharp pen, and advice always available. He was a man with grit and old school values. His integrity and respect in the horse world was incomparable. He believed in a hand shake and was a man of his word.
Dexter would ask his friends and loved ones to follow the advice that he was often heard telling a jockey before a race or a grandchild before competing and that is to “ride ‘em like you stole ‘em.”
There will be a Celebration of Life Open House held Sunday, June 5, 2022 between 2:00pm-5:00pm at Hubel Farms. In remembrance of Dexter, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to: Clare Equestrian Team or the proposed Clare Turf Room.
Welcome to heaven, cowboy. Your entry fees are paid.
Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
