Obituary of Wesley Humphrey

Wesley Louis Humphrey July 29, 1928 - May 28, 2012 Wes Humphrey passed away peacefully on May 28 in Lake Havasu City at the Hospice of Havasu Polidori House. Wes was born in Chicago, Illinois to Earl and Marizoe Humphrey and raised in Whiting Indiana. He began playing piano professionally at the age of 14 and played French horn in the Whiting High School band, as well as serving as drum major as a senior. Following graduation Wes served with the US Army in Korea, then used the GI Bill to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at Indiana University in 1952, and serving as the Marching 100 Drum Major all four years. After he began teaching he completed his Masters Degree and began a Doctorate program at IU. Wes directed high school music programs in Aurora, Hagerstown, Delphi, and Whiting, Indiana, before he moved his family to Arizona in 1966 to become the Buena High Band Director in Sierra Vista. In 1973 he relocated once more to Lake Havasu City where he directed the Lake Havasu High School Music Department until retiring in 1989. He came out of retirement numerous times to teach, substitute, or conduct music workshops. He remained in contact with many former students from Hagerstown, Sierra Vista, and Lake Havasu and enjoyed attending class and band reunions. Wes continued to play piano professionally as a soloist and with his jazz combos using the names Lou West Trio or Wes Humphrey and Friends. He was the founding director of the Lake Havasu Orchestra, the West Winds Dance Band, and the Lake Havasu Symphonic Winds, which he conducted for fourteen years. He was also the original French horn player with Top Brass Quintet and the guest conductor of Tuba Christmas. Music was Wes's primary passion, and he spent hours writing and arranging music, switching from paper and pencil to computer in later years. He also enjoyed fishing and building wood models. Wes was preceded in death by father Earl, mother Marizoe, and sister Harlene. He is survived by wife Bonnie of Lake Havasu City, sons Todd (Maria) of Redlands CA, and Kurtiss (LeRae) of Palmdale CA. Also surviving are grandchildren Erin, Katelyn, and Sean, and great grandchildren Deacon and Dominic. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Sunday, June 10 between 1 pm and 5 pm on the patio of Mudshark Brewery and Restaurant on Swanson. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Lake Havasu Symphonic Winds (PO Box 3656) or Hospice of Havasu (PO Box 597), Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Wesley's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.