Charles Lee Humm

Charles Lee Humm, 76, of Sarasota, FL passed away peacefully September 14th, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born August 14th, 1947, to his loving parents Dorcas and Victor Humm in Ashland, OH. While still a baby, the family moved to Columbus, OH so his father could attend the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1952, they moved to Plain City, OH where Charles would ultimately spend the remainder of his youth growing up. Some of his fondest memories from childhood include visiting his grandparents’ dairy farm near Mohicanville, OH, where he would spend several weeks each summer assisting with various chores, including milking Holsteins, which was among his favorite responsibilities on the farm. Charles learned how to play the trombone at a young age, which was a passion and skill that he shared with his father. He continued playing the trombone in band through Junior High and High School. Charles graduated from Jonathan Alder High School in 1965 and attended Ashland College where he lived with his grandmother, Margaret DeLozier, who resided just a short walk from campus. He would later go on to obtain an associate degree in Retail Mid-Management Technology from the Columbus Technical Institute in June of 1968. Soon after, he was drafted by the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis and spent three years serving our country. During this time, he auditioned for and joined the U.S. Army Band, where he would serve stateside and play the trombone at various military ceremonies, parades, and events. Following his honorary discharge from the U.S. Army in July of 1971, Charles returned to Plain City for a very brief time, before moving to Chicago, IL in September of that year. He would spend the next 8 years in Chicago, where he socialized with a very close friend whom he met in the Army, Larry Riggs. The cold, harsh, snowy winters in Chicago throughout the 70’s would eventually prompt his move to Sarasota, FL in September of 1979. It is there he would pursue a career in the hospitality industry working as a server for The Hyatt Regency from 1980 until 2015, when he ultimately retired. Charles developed an affinity for traveling at a young age and would routinely vacation to Ohio to visit family or Chicago to visit Larry and his wife, Cheri. Over the years he traveled to many different cities across the U.S., as well as various countries around the world, including Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Charles had many different passions and joys in life. However, few things brought him more joy than his relationships with others. Connecting and spending quality time with friends, family, and co-workers were among his favorite things to do. In particular, he thoroughly enjoyed combining his love for food and human connection by frequenting restaurants and gathering with family and friends over meals, while befriending the waitstaff and management in the process. Other notable passions include music, reading, trivia, history, plays, musicals, movies, TV sitcoms, and game shows (with Jeopardy being his favorite). Anyone who interacted with Charles in a meaningful way knew that he possessed a unique zest for life which was unmatched. The energy, enthusiasm, and sense of humor that Charles approached life with was truly something to behold and cherish and will not be soon forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to experience it. He was a member of First Brethren Church of Sarasota, which he attended for over four decades. Charles served the church for many years by counting and recording donations, offerings, and tithes. He truly adored his loving church family, who has been steadfast in how they have cared for Charles and supported him during his final days and weeks on this earth, prior to going home and being with the Lord. Charles was preceded in death by parents Dorcas Marie (DeLozier) and Victor Eugene Humm, brother Larry Humm, grandparents Pearl (Snyder) and Guy Humm, Margaret (Himes) and Arthur DeLozier, aunts and uncles Ruth and Arthur DeLozier, Janeatte and Ken Solomon, Naomi Blodgett, ML Humm, and John Humm. Charles is survived by sister Denise Kasper, brother David (Mareda) Humm, nieces Jessica French and Wendy (Zac) Hill, nephew Dustin (Dana) Humm, grandnieces Kalla and Kendall Hill, Madison and Mackenzie French, Ella, Georgia, and Pearl Humm, and grandnephews Noah French and Kase Hill. Please join us in celebrating the life of Charles through attending one of two memorial services. The first will be held at First Brethren Church of Sarasota on Monday, September 18th, with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm and a memorial service at 2:30 pm, followed by a special church meal. The second will be held at Ferguson Funeral Home of Plain City on Saturday, September 23rd, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and a memorial service at 11:00 am, followed by a private graveside service for family at Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: First Brethren Church of Sarasota 150 North Shade Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 Phone: 941-955-9239 Website: JoyfulStream.org -or- Tidewell Hospice 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34202 Phone: 855-843-3935 Website: TidewellHospice.org

Charles Lee Humm

August 14, 1947 - September 14, 2023