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March 20, 1941 – Oct. 13, 2015

NATCHEZ — Robert Hershal Humes, 74, of Natchez, died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, at his residence, with his family by his side after an abrupt battle with cancer.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Mr. Humes’ life at 1 p.m. today at his residence.

Hershal requested not to have a funeral service of any kind. He did, however, request that his family have a gathering at his residence to celebrate his life instead of mourning it.

Hershal was born March 20, 1941, in Rosetta, the son of Ernest Charles Humes and Ruth Lanelle Foreman.

His mother married Wallace Havard, with whom she helped raise seven stepchildren. Hershal considered his stepfather to be his dad since the age of 10.

Hershal was a well respected Natchez police officer in the early 1960s and early 1970s. He began his own business in carpentry and continued to build many sets of cabinets for a number of homes and businesses over the past 40 years. He built the new shutters for the library downtown, replaced a number of columns on older homes and even replaced some very large windows from churches that were built in the 1700s.

He took great pride in his work and worked very hard to support his family. Both of his sons, Jason and Justin, had the privilege of working with their father and learning his trade.

Hershal had a number of loyal friends over the years. Vic, Sam, Jonathon, Dale, David, Bit, Michael and Marshal to name a few. He was a well respected part of the Kingston community for a number of years. He had a way with the ladies, that special smile. Every time he went to town, he would always recognize at least one person and start a conversation with them. He was genuine and real with his feelings. If he liked you, you knew it. If he didn’t, he had a great reason not to. There was not too many that he didn’t like. He was a very kind, giving person and could see no fault where others would judge.

Hershal had a special love for animals. Except for hunting season, when the deer came out. He was an avid hunter for a number of years. He loved his horses, took pride in breeding and training. He had a soft spot for any abandoned or ill lost animals and took them in his care. He always had at least two cats and a dog. You would never go to his house and not see an animal.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather; one sister, Dolly Ernestine Humes who died Aug. 7, 2012; two ex-wives with whom he shared children with, Margaret Anne Dyer and Carolyn Day Humes and their son, Preston Wallace Humes.

Survivors include his estranged wife, Cindy E. Humes of Texas; stepchildren, Jaime Pagan and John Pagan of Texas; two sons, Jason E. Humes and wife, Michele R. Humes (Silvia) and Justin W. Humes, all of Natchez; daughter, Angela Darlene Atwood of Oakridge, Tenn.; stepdaughters, Melissa Gayle Coone of Brookhaven, Laura Carithers of Roxie; ex-wife and friend, Michele Humes (Richter); stepson, Aric of Natchez; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Compassionate Care for their outstanding, highly devoted and loving staff, for being there during our family’s time of need.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the cancer fundraisers or your choice in memory of Hershal Humes.