Daniel Lee Hummer, 81, of Seminole, Florida, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026, at Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida.
Dan was born on November 21, 1944, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Aaron and Emma Hummer. He was the third of six children, growing up alongside four brothers and one sister.
Dan proudly served his country in the United States Navy. One of the defining moments of his life occurred while stationed in the Philippines. There, he observed the ministry of missionaries from the Overseas Christian Servicemen’s Centers. Through their example, he sensed God’s call on his life—a call that would shape his next six decades on earth.
After returning home, Dan married the love of his life, Linda Ryland, on August 19, 1966, in Pensacola, Florida. Together they embarked on a journey of faith, family, and service to others that would span nearly 60 years. Their marriage was marked by deep love, unwavering commitment, and a shared desire to serve God wherever He led.
Following his military service, Dan and Linda moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended Trevecca Nazarene College. He later continued his Master of Divinity studies at Nazarene Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Dan and Linda welcomed their three children while Dan balanced his responsibilities as a seminary student and pastor. It was during this time that Dan sensed another call—this time to chaplaincy. After serving a two-year pastorate at North Anderson Free Methodist Church in Anderson, Indiana, he pursued Clinical Pastoral Education and began “crisis ministry” that became his life’s work.
For more than three decades, Dan served veterans and their families through the Department of Veterans Affairs. He spent ten years at Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis before transferring to Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Florida in 1990, where he served for 21 additional years until retirement.
To Dan, chaplaincy was never simply a profession. It was a ministry of presence. He believed that some of life’s most sacred moments occur beside a hospital bed, in times of grief, uncertainty, fear, and loss. He had a unique gift for entering those moments with gentleness, humility, and compassion. Whether offering prayer, listening to a hurting family, or sitting quietly with a veteran facing difficult circumstances, Dan considered caring for people during life’s most difficult moments to be his greatest privilege.
Among his accomplishments, Dan was honored to become the first chaplain at Roudebush VA Medical Center to receive the prestigious Hand and Heart Award in 1985. He served faithfully as President of the Chaplains Association of the Free Methodist Church. He was also instrumental in founding the Bay Pines VA Inpatient Hospice Unit, which served as a model of excellence for VA’s throughout the country. Despite these recognitions, awards and titles never defined him. What mattered most to Dan were the people he served and the God he loved.
Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, steadfast faith, servant’s heart, and unwavering devotion to his family. He enjoyed photography, reading, watching NASCAR, eating popcorn, making milkshakes, and building backyard fires. He loved to laugh and delighted in watching his children and grandchildren grow.
Dan’s legacy is not found in buildings, programs, or awards. It is found in the countless lives he touched through kindness, compassion, and the hope of Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord wholeheartedly, and he loved people deeply—especially those who were hurting. That love was evident in every season of his life.
He was preceded in death by his twin sons, Jimmy and Timmy Hummer; his parents, Aaron and Emma Hummer; and four siblings.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Hummer; his children, Becky (Gary) Hancock, Jennifer (Vong) Keovongsa, and Daniel (Martha) Hummer; his grandchildren, Ryland Keovongsa, Gabrielle (Evan) Akel, Brady Keovongsa, Eli Hummer, and Will Hummer; his sister, Karen (Barry) Shockey; and many dear friends, colleagues, and extended family members.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, physicians, and staff of Bay Pines VA Medical Center, especially the Palliative Care Team and Medical Intensive Care Unit, for their compassionate and tender care as Dan stepped into the arms of Jesus.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Cornerstone Community Church in St. Petersburg. A funeral service celebrating Dan’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Dan’s name to either Prison Fellowship or Cadence International.
Though we will miss his physical presence, we are comforted by the assurance that Dan’s faith has become sight. The One he served so faithfully throughout his life has now welcomed him home with the words every servant longs to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Becky, no words can express just how sorry we are about the passing of your father, although we are elated that he is with the Lord right now. He has left a wonderful part of himself in this world…you, and we are grateful to him for it. We are here for you. If there is anything we can do to help you get through this difficult time, just ask, but for now we are praying for him and your family during this time.
Aunt Linda, Daniel,Becky and Jennifer. Words cant express how sorry I am about Uncle Dan. I just dont have the words like he always did. He was an incredible person, role model for me and my favorite Uncle. I didnt get to talk to him alot, but we always caught up when we did talk. i have a lot of memories of him. he gave Ruth Ann and I pre marriage counseling in a little trailer that Karen and Barry had parked at GPA and GMA Hummers house. A lot of wise words! And the Thanksgiving dinner at your house where he showed old slides on the wall and we made fun of each other may be my favorite! i will miss him and if any of you need to talk, you can contact me. sendIng you all love.
Linda and family,
Dan had a huge impact on my life. Every time we worked together, I’d come away inspired by his deep care and concern for others, especially his beloved veterans. He told me he considered Bay Pines his “missions field” and some of his stories and messages just moved me deeply. I never called him “Chaplain” when we were together, I called him “Pastor” so that he would know how I viewed him and his ministry. He had such a personal touch and devotion to his patients and their families. A memory I can never forget is how many times he and Linda would sing, acapella, at the graveside at Bay Pines and the families and friends loved it. He was faithful with the ministry gift God gave him. I will never forget my friend, Pastor Dan Hummer.
Dan Hummer was the Chaplain on the Bay Pines Hospice unit and I had the distinct pleasure of being a part of the Team. Our veteran’s and their families were so fortunate to have this Man Of God to be with them in the direst of times. Dan was a man of humor, compassion “get it done kind of guy”. Dan had the innate ability to make everyone feel loved and needed and he was that person you went to for comfort.
Heaven’s addition is where Dan will be heading up the choir. I am sorry for Dan’s family because he really was the patriarch but they are all richer for having him in their lives. Peace be with you my friend. LY
Truly, Our Precious Lord has now taken Chaplain Dan’s hand and He is now leading him home, as Dan often sang with his beautiful voice, whole heart and soul , in care of our Veterans and their families at Bay Pines. Generous, caring and faith- filled, bringing joy, comfort and God’s love to each us. With joy, I remember him. In sorrow, I pray for him, and with those mourning his death. He will be so dearly missed.
Pastor Dan will be greatly missed. Dan and Linda quickly became friends of our family. Such a great couple that everyone loved to be around. They raised great children and Dan will leave a legacy of service to God and family. Dan could break out any time in leading a song to whatever group he was with. Dan had a true pastor’s heart and was always genuine with everyone he met. “Well done thy good and faithful servant”.
This was so well written. It describes the amazing man I knew growing up with Pastor Dan and Linda’s awesome children. Pastor Hummer was as gentle and caring as described. I have so many memories from Church and events. Just a wonderful man.
I am so sorry and pray for the family and friends in this time of mourning. God called to Him an amazing man.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Linda, Ruth and I were saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. We wish to express our sincere sorrow that he will no longer be a part of our chaplain fellowship. We will always remember how he and I, as sailors, walked the same paths at Olongapo, PI, although 10 years apart. The Philippines had a definite impact on both of our lives, not only with our walk with Christ but with our call to the chaplaincy. Upon learning of Dan and seeing him at work at Bay Pines, I had great respect for him in the way he touched the lives of those he was called to minister to at the VA. We will greatly miss him but will always remember the impact he made on our church’s chaplains. We extend to you our prayers for comfort, guidance and good health. You have been a part of a great legacy. Thank you sincerely, Dean and Ruth
Dearest Becky,
What a beautiful tribute to your dad and the beautiful ways God worked in and through him to further His Kingdom. He left a legacy of Jesus’ love and compassion. I am keeping you and all the family covered in prayer and love.
Pat
Dan was a true man of God. He helped me to become a better follower of Christ, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to my family.
His love of God touched so many people.
My prayers are with Linda and the family.
Love, Gordon
I met Dan when he transferred from the VA in Indianapolis and later he helped us found “the Bay Pines VA Inpatient Hospice Unit, which served as a model of excellence for VA’s throughout the country. Despite these recognitions, awards and titles never defined him. What mattered most to Dan were the people he served and the God he loved.”
Dan loved his work; he loved his patients; he loved his family. Commonly he told us: “I can’t believe I’m getting paid to LOVE people!” Dan and his wife Linda epitomize what Jesus teaches all of us: “Love others as I have loved you.” Thank you Daniel Hummer for loving ME. It has made a difference in my life.