Hummel, Thomas J. 1941-2003

HUMMEL, COOPER, VAN WINKLE

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 6/24/2005 at 16:22:58

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Thomas Junior Hummel, 82, of Traverse City, Mich., formerly of Newton, died Saturday, Nov. 29.

Services were held at Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City, Mich., with the Rev. Lou Grettenberger officiating. Military Honors were presented by VFW Cherryland Post No. 2780.

The family asks those wishing to give memorials to donate to the charity of your choice.

The son of Thomas Jefferson and Dora (Cooper) Hummel, he was born March 9, 1941, in Marion. His family moved to Newton in 1922 and he attended Newton schools and graduated in 1939. On March 9, 1941, he married Thelma Van Winkle in Newton. He served with the United States Coast Guard following Pearl Harbor. He had various jobs while enlisted, but mainly worked as the aircraft maintenance supervisor. During his time at the Traverse City Coast Guard Station, he flew as an air crewman for search and rescue. He enjoyed meeting with other Coastguardsmen and sharing stories. He played and refereed volleyball with the Coast Guard Team on the city league. He enjoyed reading, especialy authors Zane Grey and Loouie L'amour. After retiring, he went on to volunteer at RSVP. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and was known for growing the best tomatoes in the neighborhood.

Survivors include his wife; a son and daughter-in-law, Larry Scott and Joan Hummel of Emporia, Kan.; a daughter, Sherry Hummel of Williamsburg; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Newton Daily News, Tuesday, December 16, 2003