Frederick H. Hummel Jr., 90, of Boydton, Virginia, formerly of Lebanon, PA, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025. A devoted family man, decorated U.S. Navy veteran, and retired law enforcement officer, Fred led a life of honorable service to his country, community, and family.
Born in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 14, 1934, Fred enlisted in the United States Navy and spent all but five months of his active duty at sea aboard the USS Helena CA-75 during the Korean War. He served in fire control, directing the ship’s 8-inch guns with precision. He stood watch for 48 hours during the evacuation of the Tachen Islands and was honorably discharged with numerous commendations, including the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal Korea, and the Korean Service Medal.
Following his military service, Fred began a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served with the Pottstown Police Department in the 1960s. In 1968, he was appointed Chief of Police for North Lebanon Township in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. He led the department with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public safety.
He was a proud member of both the Fraternal Order of Police and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While residing in Lebanon, Fred was a member of and enjoyed many friendships at the Mount Zion Fire Company, the Mount Aetna Fire Company, the Jonestown VFW, and the Navy Club of Lebanon Ship 91.
In 2002, Fred moved to Boydton, Virginia, and quickly became a valued member of the local community. He was known for cooking breakfast for the Boydton Volunteer Fire Department on Boydton Day and was always ready with a friendly smile and kind word. He enjoyed a lifetime of boating and fishing with his children and was deeply devoted to his family.
Fred is survived by his children, Collette Wickey (Dr. Greg Wickey), of Punta Gorda, Florida, Fred Hummel (Cindy Hummel), of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Christine Thompson (Dave Thompson), of Boydton, Virginia, and Catherine Graham, also of Boydton. He was also a proud and loving grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death in 1999 by his beloved wife, Diane Alice (née Arnold) Hummel; and, in 2014, by his grandson, John Resanovich III.
A private service will be held by the family in Boydton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boydton Volunteer Fire Department, 928 U.S. 58 Bus., Boydton, VA, 23917.
