Horace Humphries Jr. Obituary

Colonel Horace Humphries Jr., a retired United States Air Force officer, longtime O'Fallon community leader, and mentor to generations of young leaders, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026.

A Tuskegee University graduate, Humphries served his country honorably for 26 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. During his distinguished military career he held leadership assignments across the United States and abroad. In recognition of his distinguished military career, numerous awards, and lifelong commitment to leadership and service, he was inducted into the Tuskegee University ROTC Hall of Fame.

Following his military service, Humphries continued his dedication to developing young leaders by founding the Junior ROTC program at Normandy High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he mentored and inspired countless students through discipline, leadership, and character development.

He also devoted more than two decades to public service in Southern Illinois, serving 21 years as Police Commissioner for the City of O'Fallon. He further served on the O'Fallon Fire and Police Board and the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, helping guide public safety initiatives across the region. In recognition of his service and leadership, he was presented the Key to the City of Milledgeville, Georgia, his hometown.

He graduated with honors from the 1959 class of J.F. Boddie High School in Milledgeville GA and later from Tuskegee University, where he graduated with honors from the ROTC program. He furthered his education with a Master of Public Administration from Golden State University and a Master's in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

He was preceded in death by his father, Horace Humphries Sr.; his mother, Maude Huff Humphries; his brothers, Marion Ward and William E. Humphries II; and his son, Timothy Keith Humphries.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce Humphries; his daughter Leslie Humphries Williams (Rasheed); his nephew Dr. William E. Humphries III (Courtney); his granddaughter Nalah Humphries Williams; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, Illinois. The organizational tributes will begin at 10:45 am with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:30am.

Military burial services will take place April 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Milledgeville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts to Colonel Horace Humphries Jr. Scholarship at Tuskegee University ((https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/TUROTC). If sending floral gifts, the family kindly requests white or purple plants or arrangements.