Charles Foster Hume

Charles Foster Hume (Chuck), age 84, passed away on September 5, 2023 at his home in Hazel Green, AL surrounded by his loving family.  He died after a recent mesothelioma diagnosis from Mayo Clinic.  He was born in Hoisington, Kansas on April 2, 1939, the son of Fred and Bernice Hume, and was reared by his father and stepmother, Jean Hume, in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Chuck was in the Army Reserves, and he graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1963.

Throughout his life, Chuck was a lover of sports.  He played basketball, ran track and ranked third in Missouri for the half mile.  In college, he lettered in tennis and later became an avid golfer, winning many golf tournaments.  After college, he was a salesman for Xerox Corporation and later worked in the construction industry.  In his retirement, Chuck’s love of golf inspired him to collect thousands of golf clubs, golf videos and golf books.

In 2003, after forty years of no contact, he reconnected with his college sweetheart, Karolyn, and they married in 2011.  He and Karolyn enjoyed traveling in Europe and throughout the U.S. from New England to the Grand Canyon.  They made frequent trips between Alabama and King City, Missouri where Chuck had his family farm, and they eventually settled in Hazel Green, AL.  Chuck absolutely loved the quiet life and being outdoors working on their land.

Chuck was a gentle soul with plenty of wit.  He was a very patient and understanding stepfather to his three grown stepchildren and their families.  He enjoyed working with his stepson, Dan, on home construction projects, barbecuing full-sized pigs and hosting frequent family gatherings.  He had a true love for the family dogs and, thank goodness, he loved them as much as Karolyn did.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother and his sister, Diana Dee Hume.  He is survived by his wife, Karolyn Ehrmann Voigt, his stepchildren Ellen Pond Vlaytchev (Petko), John Daniel Pond, Rachel Pond Dibble (Tim), his step grandchildren, Isabella Elena Vlaytchev, Margaret Vlaytcheva, Iavora Vlaytcheva (Kurt), Britton Starr Dibble and Sawyer Knox Dibble.  He is also survived by four nieces Libby Eoff, Sissy Gilbreth, Georgia Fitts and Kathy Palmer, his cousins, Steven Smith and Charlene Armilio, close friend and the grandmother of his step grandchildren, Snejina Vlaytcheva, and his dear friend and golfing buddy, Jack Fredrickson, of St. Joseph, Missouri.

The family has planned a small private graveside service in Rockport, Indiana.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.