Richard Leeds Humeston

Richard Leeds Humeston, affectionately known as Hummy and sometimes King Richard passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2024. 

Richard was born on July 18,1937 to Winifred and Vincent Humeston in Santa Ana, California, and was raised in the City of Tustin. Once he grew out of his beautiful blonde curls and being dressed up by his sister Marilyn, he did his best to keep up with his older brother Roland who introduced him to his love of the Mohave Desert. Camping and off-roading were in his blood and something he enjoyed for most of his life. He graduated from Tustin High School in 1955, attended Orange Coast College and Graduated from Long Beach State College (CSULB) in 1960. 

After college, Richard was drafted into the US Army Medical Corp then transferred to reserve status for 5 years. During this time he married his high school sweetheart Peggy Loomis, and moved up the coast to Ventura. They had two children, Cheryl and Steve, then eventually settled in Ojai, CA.

Richard had a successful 35 year career with the County of Ventura starting as a Deputy Probation Officer and retiring as Division Chief in September 1995. While at the County he over saw Juvenile Hall, Colston Youth Center, Juvenile Work Release and Restitution, Adult Work Furlough and Work Release. Upon retirement Richard chose the serenity of the Verde Valley and a piece of property on the Verde River to enjoy his days. He became a regular at what was then the Page Springs Restaurant and Bar and made many wonderful friends.

Richard met and married the love of his life later in life than he would have liked, but when he and Bobbi locked eyes almost 20 years ago at the American Legion in Cottonwood, they literally made beautiful music together by singing Karaoke and dancing the night away. When Bobbi retired, they enjoyed traveling back and forth to California, annual trips to Durango, CO and Cheyenne, WY. And of course, lots of camping trips to the desert!

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Winifred and Vincent, his brother Roland Humeston, and sister Marilyn Balzer. He is survived by his loving wife Bobbi, daughter Cheryl Steinholt, (Bjorn), son Steve Humeston. Grandsons Erik Steinholt (Lindsey), and Brandon Humeston (Cynthia Medina). Stepson Brian Spradling (Akiko), Stepdaughter Leslie Wager (Will Patton), grandchildren Kylie Spradling, Cody Wager (Hailey), and Laci Craig, plus many extended family members. 

Richard was a truly generous man and loved his family and friends with all his heart. He will be missed everyday by those who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 12 PM to 4 PM at the American Legion Post 25, 480 S. Calvary Way, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.