Albert Alexander Hume's Obituary
On October 2, 2024, Albert Alexander Hume, 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Born on October 24, 1928, to Robert Alexander Hume and Gladys Waters Hume, in Charles City, Iowa.
Al lived a life rich in adventure, love, and community. At the age of 16, Al embarked on his first great journey, hitchhiking across the country with his best friend. They landed in California, where they found jobs at the San Francisco Telephone Company. The following year, Al joined the Air Force and proudly served as a radio operator during the Korean War, with a memorable stint in Japan. After the war, he was stationed at Chicksands Air Force Base in England, where he met and married the love of his life, Edith Welsh. Throughout his 26-year military career, Al and family traveled extensively, from California to Peshawar, Pakistan, then back to England, and later to San Vito Air Force Base in Italy. He retired in 1974, bringing home a wealth of stories filled with fun, friendship, and a hint of mischief, captivating everyone with his unforgettable tales (like the one about Johnny Cash bringing his guitar to Al’s room on base for beer drinking jam sessions).
Upon retiring, Al and family paid a visit to his mother in Ash Flat, Arkansas, and found themselves unexpectedly snowed in at Harrison. Enchanted by the town, they decided to make it their home instead of heading to California. Al opened a bookstore, downtown off the square, named Books Galore, where he became a fixture in the community and formed lasting friendships. Most mornings at the store were filled with regular customers who came for the communal coffee and storytelling sessions. He and his family were active members of the First Presbyterian Church.
Later, Al and Edith relocated to Branson, Missouri, where Al pursued an unexpectedly began acting, playing Yakov’s father in the Yakov Smirnoff Comedy Show. Eventually, they settled in Fayetteville to be closer to family. Al was known for his kindness, quick wit, and generous spirit, and being a rock for his family. He cherished moments spent playing games and cards, with canasta becoming a tradition at family gatherings. He was a good cook of traditional wholesome recipes and if he was asked about his recipe secrets he would smile and jokingly proclaim “It’s so good because I stirred it with my toes.”
He is survived by his wife, Edith Welsh; his sons, J.B. and Douglas (spouse David); his daughter, Faith (partner Stacey); grandchildren Ian Canzler (spouse Sopheara) and Vanessa Woods (spouse Seth); also great-grandchildren Nellie, Solrena, James, Aubrey, and Elaina. He is also survived by his sister Laura “Dottie” Fal. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Ann Canzler, as well as his parents and 10 siblings.
Albert will be cremated at the Nelson Berna Funeral Home. His family and friends will honor his memory with a gathering and a canasta tournament in Fayetteville, Arkansas, celebrating the remarkable life of a truly wonderful man.
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