Donald L. Humrichouse

Humrichouse—Donald L. Humrichouse, 82, on May 27, 2022, in New Providence, Iowa. Don passed away doing something he loved: picking wild asparagus on a sunny day. Don was born on June 22, 1939, to Guy Leslie Humrichouse and Hazel (Jones) Humrichouse. He had a happy childhood in Ridge Farm, Ill., where he enjoyed pestering his two older sisters and being spoiled as the youngest. He grew up quickly when he moved to Leesburg, Fla., living on his own during his junior year of high school. Don served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft electrician, earning the Good Conduct Medal.

While home on leave, Don met Mary Marlow. Until he received his orders, by his own recollection Don spent every waking hour with Mary swinging on her front porch. After he was honorably discharged, they began dating, married, and enjoyed 57 years of wedded bliss. They were blessed with four boys and raised them in New Providence in the house he designed and built (nearly single-handedly). That house remains the family headquarters 45 years later.

Don graduated from Eastern Illinois University, earning a business and marketing degree with a minor in journalism. He held many positions including director of maintenance at Quakerdale Family Services, various sales jobs, and was a youth services worker at Iowa State Training School for Boys.

Don’s life spoke of duty and sacrifice. He generously gave his time, money, and enthusiasm to many causes, including three years as a missionary in Kenya, East Africa, where he oversaw the building of the Friends Technical School. Don was a world traveler through his military service and mission work. He enjoyed assisting disabled veterans at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown and volunteered in the honor guard at funerals of local veterans. A pillar of his church at Honey Creek-New Providence Friends, he served as a trustee, among other roles. He volunteered with Providential Homes, Friends Disaster Services, and acted as the chief supply officer for the weekly New Providence Community Breakfast, personally inspecting the biscuits and gravy for quality control.

Don thoroughly enjoyed his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (and looked forward to another soon) and was the principal videographer at family gatherings. He was a wordsmith and world-class storyteller, which often involved inventive nicknames and highly infectious belly laughs. Penning his autobiography, Well, Here I Am, Don had a vocabulary all his own—just ask his grandkids for their favorite “DL-ism.”

Don had a green thumb. A great conversationalist and quick with a disarming quip, he could talk to anyone. He will be remembered for his liberating disregard for what is fashionable or expected, for his self-sufficiency and resourcefulness with his own blend of shortcuts and craftsmanship, for his bold faith, and most of all, for his obvious love and affection. He was never one to hide how he felt or what he thought.

Don would want you to remember, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And “There ain’t no free lunch.” Also, “Hide and watch!”

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Humrichouse; and four children, Greg Humrichouse (Christine), Doug Humrichouse (Tina), Mike Humrichouse (Heather), and John Humrichouse.