Russell George Hummel III

Russell George Hummel III passed away peacefully July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 28, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Russell and Catherine Hummel. Russell had 10 siblings and is survived by 3, Robert, Larry, and Nancy.

Russell proudly served his country in the United States Air Force at Bunker Hill Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana. During his time in the service, Russell met his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia "Patty" Hummel. Her love was the joy of his life. He adored Patty and could hardly stand to have her out of sight. Every morning throughout their marriage, he greeted her with the same heartfelt words: "Hi, beautiful." Russell loved traveling with Patty, especially to their "happy place”, Sanibel Island, Florida. He loved her with all his heart.

He and Patty were blessed with three sons, David (Stacie) Hummel, John (Sandy) Hummel, and Michael (Laurie) Hummel. His boys were the pride of his life, and he loved them deeply. The very best parts of who he was: his faith, his character, his values, his love for family, and his quiet strength, live on in each of them. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren, six bonus grandchildren through marriage, and two great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

Following his military service, Russell worked as a route salesman, where his warm smile, genuine kindness, and ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on countless customers and friends. He truly never met a stranger.

To know Russell was to love him, and he loved deeply. His love for the Lord was the foundation of his life, and second only to that was his unwavering love and devotion to his family. His faith shaped the husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend that so many were blessed to know. Russell and Patty faithfully attended Greenwood Christian Church for more than 51 years, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and elder. In his younger years, he also participated in several mission trips to Haiti, faithfully serving others and sharing the love of Christ.

After suffering a stroke, many of the things Russell once enjoyed became more difficult. He spent much of his time reading and studying the Bible and loved talking with others, especially his aides and caregivers, about what he was learning. Over the years, the aides and nurses who cared for him became more than caregivers; they became part of the family. Russell, and those who loved him, were deeply grateful for the compassion, friendship, and faithful care they showed him.

Russell will be remembered for his unwavering faith, humble servant's heart, quiet wisdom, and steadfast love for others. His life reflected the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. He leaves behind a legacy of faith that will continue to impact generations.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Russell's greatest desire was that those he loved would know the Savior he faithfully served. Because of that hope, we do not say goodbye, we simply say, "Until we meet again." Well done, good and faithful servant.