Date of Birth
October 22, 1932
Date of Death
January 31, 2022
Merle Hummell, age 89, of Campton Hills, IL, formerly of Port Charlotte, FL and Bensenville, IL, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, January 31, 2022.
He was born October 22, 1932, in Findlay, OH, to proud and loving parents, Merle Sr. and Mildred Hummell.
Merle grew up in Findlay and attended local schools. He graduated from Findlay High School with the class of 1950. Before receiving his diploma, Merle made a name for himself on the gridiron, named an All-Star and recognized by Frank J. Lausche, the Governor of Ohio.
Merle attended Ohio State University for a time before he enlisted in the United States Navy on February 19, 1952. After basic training, he served on the submarine U.S.S. Trumpetfish and appointed a torpedoman’s mate 3rd class. He also designed the emblem used on the submarine. He returned to civilian life in February of 1956 and settled back in Findlay. He continued his education at Bowling Green University, receiving a bachelor’s degree, before studying for his master’s degree at Northern Illinois University.
Merle found the missing piece to his heart in Patricia Sours, whom he met while she lived with her sister in Findlay. They walked down the aisle on March 1, 1958 and began their new life in Findlay for a time before moving to Chelsea, MI. In 1962, the now growing family moved to Bensenville, IL. After their children were raising children of their own, Merle and Patricia moved to Port Charlotte, FL, making memories with every sunset until 2002. They made the trek back to the Midwest and settled in Campton Hills that boasted a barn that became his studio. Countless hours and a million ideas were spent and followed, with many projects finding their way in his home and the homes of his friends and family.
Merle was a dedicated teacher of art and endeavored to expand the horizons of generations of students, introducing them to a myriad of media, encouraging them to open themselves to several types of artful expressions. He taught in a small school in Chelsea, MI for several years before Franklin Park, IL and East Leyden brought him in to not only teach art, but to help teach wrestling, football and took on a few night school classes to help anyone in need of an education. He finally put down his gradebook and retired to Port Charlotte to take care of his mom.
Merle was a gifted artist and had his projects in galleries in New York, several in Florida and locally in St. Charles where he opened his own gallery. His curiosity and talent knew no bounds as he worked on sculptures, metals, pottery, paintings, poems and more. Merle wasn’t content with his own success and often encouraged young budding artists, to keep creating no matter what. As a father, you could find no better. His sense of humor was as contagious as the laughter he created with inappropriate humor that kept everyone in stitches. Merle was a deer hunter of sorts. He never carried a gun, and was only there for the experience and camaraderie. He was a unique man with exceptional talent and heart that had enough room for all. His loss is immeasurable but his mark on the lives of his friends and family remains indelible.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 64 years, Pat Hummell; two children: Marlon Hummell and Marcia (Scott) McCloud; four granddaughters: Aja (Bryon) Ferguson, Lisa (Jay) McClintock, Ashley McCloud and Sunni Hummell; four great-grandchildren: Lexie and Jason McClintock, and Kayleigh and Colton Ferguson; several nieces, nephews and a collection of friends and admirers.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Merle Sr. and Mildred Hummell and two siblings: Betty and Gaylord.
Private family services have already been held, with interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local veteran association. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
Private family services have already been held, with interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.