Richard Christian Hummel passed away on Sunday March 17, 2019. Richard was born Feb. 8, 1930 in Buffalo, N.Y., to Christian Hummel and Marie Evelyn Dauscher. He was the younger brother of Norman Hummel, who preceded him in death.

Richard graduated from Burgard Vocational High School in 1948. Three years later he joined the Navy, in which he served until retiring as a chief petty officer in 1977.

Serving in the Navy brought moves from Buffalo to Detroit, Seattle, Oakland and Oak Harbor.

Following military retirement Richard worked for the Island County Housing Authority, a position in which he truly enjoyed helping senior citizens in the community. During this time, he became active in the Oak Harbor Lions Club, serving on multiple projects throughout each year. Richard was honored by the Lions as president and Lion of the Year in 1994-95. He was also awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship and Camp Horizon Fellowship.

Shortly after joining the Navy, Richard married Clara Louise Dischner in Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Aug. 22, 1953. It was a marriage that lasted through sickness and health for 65 years, until her death in December 2018. Richard and Clara raised a family of four children: Susan Marie (Jeff) Abrahamse, Mark Alan (Nancy) Hummel, Donna Claire (Scott) Evans, and Thomas Charles (Julie) Hummel. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

It is with both saddened and thankful hearts that we bear the passing of our caring father. We shed tears of sadness in that he is no longer with us as well as tears of thankfulness that he is no longer living with deteriorating health. Richard and Clara were lifelong practicing Catholics, providing faith that they are together again in Heaven.

A small gravesite memorial service will be held for family and close friends 11 a.m. May 3, 2019 at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor.