Donald Eugene Hume of Winslow, Indiana passed away on December 31, 2020 after a long, full and happy life of 94 years. Donald and his wife of 70 years, Shirley Ann Hume (Rogers), have enjoyed family life with their daughters: Denise Elaine Hume Stewart, Roxane Sloan and Darcee Hume-Thoren, son-in-laws: Joe Stewart, Jeff Sloan, and Michael Thoren, grandchildren: Amanda Stewart and her husband Will Smith, Joshua Sloan, Tess (Thoren) Bowyer and her husband Peter Bowyer, as well as two great grandchildren: Kathleen and Helen Smith. Donald loved being surrounded by family and if musical instruments were involved, it was even better.
Donald is the son of Austin and Myrtle Hume. His upbringing was in the countryside of Pike County alongside his much loved 6 brothers and 2 sisters. This upbringing influenced his choices and passions throughout his life. He enjoyed studying and practicing Science, Philosophy, Public Service (a passion shared with his brother, Lindel) and Old Time Music. Although he was often seen in a suit or uniform, Donald was most happy outside among the dogwood in his jeans, a flannel shirt and one of his many favorite hats. He was proud to call himself a Hoosier.
Donald’s life was rich in friendships and service. He had an uncanny knack for running into good friends wherever he might be travelling. Donald served in the 1st Cavalry Division in the Pacific Theater and, at (almost) 18 years of age, was among the last soldiers trained on horseback. He served as a military scout in the liberation of the Philippines (three bronze battle stars) and was present when the U.S. flag was raised over Tokyo. After returning from war, Donald served his community, state and country as a public school teacher and principal for 36 years, as an officer and instructor at Culver Academies for 51 summers, and as a Colonel in the Indiana Guard Reserve. Donald was elected and re-elected serving Southern Indiana residents as their State Representative for 22 years. He was a three time recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash (awarded by three different Governors). Donald also received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Oakland City University. Many of his endeavors could not have been accomplished without the help and support of his wife, Shirley, whom he loved dearly.
Donald was a sweet man who genuinely cared for people. He enjoyed teaching students- young and old, always encouraging their greatest potential and imagining their best future. His family is grateful for his strong example of full-on engagement in life whether it be learning to scuba dive in his 60’s, teaching chess and archery in his 70’s, travelling in his 80’s, or learning about technology in his 90’s. His example was always to go and do. His legacy to his family and friends is optimism.
Covid makes it difficult to gather and celebrate his well-lived life, so please honor him by taking kind and careful care of one another during these difficult times. Wear a mask and social distance. If you would like to share a happy memory of Donald or of how Donald impacted your life, please send it to:
Lakewood Home
Attn: Family of Donald Hume
840 North Lakewood Drive
Petersburg, IN 47567
These remembrances will be shared and treasured by his wife, Shirley, and his family.
Donald is preceded in death by a son, Clinton Dirk Hume.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Tracy (Miller) Vosler says
Mr. Hume was kind, compassionate and always wearing a smile.
My deepest sympathy for his family. Prayers for all during this difficult time.
Craig R. Fry says
I served in the Indiana General Assembly along side Don. I really enjoyed listening to his life experiences and sat in amazement of all the different encounters he explored.
Don was a kind and gentle sole and I was privileged to have known him.
Condolences to his family.
Craig Fry
Gretchen Gutman says
My condolences to the family. I had the privilege of working with colonial Hume during the summer at culver woodcraft camp. He was a quite leader. He always cared about children.
Later in my professional career I worked for the indiana senate when he served in the house of representative. While we were on the opposite side of the political perspective he was always so kind and thoughtful where I was concerned. He was in every sense of the word a public servant.
He is a wonderful example of a life well lived.
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Susan Helber says
Condolences from the Helber sisters…Wallace and Phyllis Helber’s daughters
Michael k Phillipds says
A great Hunan Being and public servant. Don was exemplary as a State Representative. He was responsible for initiating the acquisition of personal computers for all 100 members of the general Assembly. The beginning of the technological age for Indiana was all Don. A true friend and Colleague. Michael K Phillips
Greg Guffey says
Don Hume was the most genuinely nice person who passed through the Statehouse. Years after retiring and when he had better things to do, he would always stop by, sit in the office for a considerable time and catch up on life. He will be missed.
Sandy Hollman says
Mr. Hume was my seventh grade teacher at Howard Rosa in 1965. He was a very kind man that made you feel like he wanted you to be there and that HE wanted to be there. The obit in the Evansville paper was a wonderful tribute to him and all he gave to this world. My condolences to his loving family. I have thought of him often.
Sandy Winterman Hollman
Mike Rogers says
A quiet man with a life of experiences. To know Don Hume was to appreciate Don Hume. We were politically poles apart, but that was of no concern to Don or me. An interesting public servant whom I am glad I knew.
Dorothyanna Coffey says
My Hume was my 3rd grade teacher at Howard Roosa in Evansville, IN. I have vivid memories of him teaching me how to play chess. I even joined the chess club because of him. I am proud that I still know how to play and it was all because of Mr. Hume. I also remember there were periods of time when he had to go away because of his involvement in politics. Now that I’m older and understand politics, I am proud to say that he served our country and community as a servant leader. To the family of Mr. Hume, he was a special man. Thank you for sharing him with us. I will never forget his smile. Rest well, Mr. Hume.
Suzan Parrott says
Mr Hume was one of the best teachers. He was kind and caring and always helping his students out.
Tony and Francoise Bowyer says
Condolences to the family from the Bowyers in England and France. We had the immense pleasure of meeting up with Donald and his family during our recent happy trips to Indiana. He was certainly a true gentleman with oodles of charm and wit, and evidently very much loved by those around him. We adored his many tales from his rich treasure trove of experiences in his long and wonderful life. We will always remember the harmonica drawn tunefully from his back pocket at choice moments too! True sadness at his passing but sincere gratitude and delight that our lives have been touched by him.
Jon Paul Dilts says
I knew Don at Culver during the 1960s where he was a colleague and mentor. He taught me a lot about teaching and about kindness. A good man and a good officer. He was Captain Hume to me then and still is.
Carol Winters says
So sorry to hear about Don.
I worked with him at Woodcraft camp in the early 80’s.
I enjoyed reading about his accomplishments.
He was quite the distinguished man!
Carol (Hess) Winters
Lissa Newton says
Dear Hume family,
Today, April 8th, I made a donation to the Culver Summer Camps Program in memory of Col. Hume. Don was someone I looked up to when I was student in Upper Camp, and then he was my friend and colleague when I worked at Woodcraft Camp during the summers of 2006 – 2008. He started a chess class and my son Tim, a Beaver in the Woodcraft Camp, found a friend in Don too. Don’s smile could light up a room! When I think of Camp, I think of Don and all the good he accomplished during the many, many years he and Shirley served Culver. Rest in peace dear friend and know you will be missed. “Major” Lissa Newton (my military title at Camp).