Mr. Melvin L. Hummel, 84, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 5:50 pm Thursday, March 3, 2016 in Heartland Health Care Center.
He was born April 22, 1931 in Peoria, Illinois the son of Cecil R. Hummel and Roberta (Butler) Hummel Morris. He was raised in Augusta, Ill., attended both grade and high school where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and track. He married Rebecca I. McIntyre on June 20, 1953 in Roseville Christian Church.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 62 years; his two sons, Michael W. (Sally) Hummel of Knoxville, Tennessee. and Randy L. (Traci) Hummel of Denver, Colorado; his brother, Cecil Ray (Dorothy) Hummel of My. Pulaski, Illinois and one granddaughter Lindsay Hummel. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Melvin served as a 3rd class Petty Officer in the US Navy from 1949-1953. He served in Korean War and was on the USS Fechtler and the USS Albuquerque. He was stationed on Saipan for 2 years before the Korean Conflict began; then served on the patrol frigate, USS Albuquerque along the Korean coast where he was wounded. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service award, 5 Battle Stars, the United Nations Medal and the China Service Medal.
Melvin worked at the Augusta Foundry, CB&Q Railroad before moving the East Moline in 1956. He worked at United Township High School in East Moline for over 30 years in the maintenance department. He retired in 1986. He graduated from Augusta High School in 1949. Melvin enjoyed bicycling and traveling around the United States in his RV with his wife for 15 years spending winters in the south and summers in Illinois and the UP of Michigan. He was of the Christian faith.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM Wednesday March 9, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with military honors by VFW 2257/Legion 285 Veterans Honor Guard. Troy Cox and Chris McIntyre will officiate. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM Wednesday. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens in Silvis, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
