James Hummel

James Morris “Morry” Hummel, age 94, of Bryan, Ohio, died at 12:25 A.M. on Thursday, February 4, 2010, shortly after admittance to Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan. Mr. Hummel worked in auto body repair for Riter Body Shop for many years and also operated his own body shop for several years. He was an avid aviator, founding Hummel Aviation in Bryan, and was known worldwide for his designs and the building of experimental and other small aircraft, most notably the Hummelbird. He flew his own aircraft until the age of 91 and has been honored with numerous awards for his design and building of aircraft. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Bryan and the Lite Flyers ultralight aircraft club. James Morris “Morry” Hummel was born on August 5, 1915, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of James and Manata (Caswell) Hummel. He married Kathryn Ridgway in 1939 and she preceded him in death in 1989. He married his second wife, Myra Branch, on June 29, 1993, and she preceded him in death on December 30, 2009. Surviving are a son, Ronald (Connie) Hummel, of Reno, Nevada, a daughter, Sandra Kay (Larry) Partee, of Montpelier, Ohio, five grandchildren, Gina Bacon, Jim Hummel, Mike, Mark and Bob Smith, and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Sunday, February 7, 2010, in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio, from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. Services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home with Pastor George Roads officiating. Memorials in the name of James Morris “Morry” Hummel may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.