Obituary: Ray Humke

Ray Humke

Mr. Humke was a former utility and telecommunications executive. Upon the breakup of AT&T in the mid 1980s, he became one of the founding officers of Ameritech. He was the former president and chief executive officer of Indiana Bell Telephone Company, and served as president and chief executive officer of Ameritech Services in Chicago before moving to Indianapolis to become president and chief operating officer of Indianapolis Power & Light Company in 1990.

A celebration of life service will be held in Indianapolis. Arrangements for a second service to be held at the Lighthouse Methodist Church of Boca Grande are pending.

During his business career, Mr. Humke championed the responsible growth and development of the cities and states where he resided. Additionally, he and his wife Carolyn were generous contributors of their time and financial resources to worthy causes. He brought to his non-profit roles a much-needed sense of fiscal responsibility and business acumen.

He was described by friends as a classic leader who understood that his role was as much about helping the community as it was about being a successful businessman. In Boca Grande, he held several leadership positions at the Methodist Church and in the island community where he and his wife resided.

Mr. Humke was an avid golfer and a member of the Lemon Bay Golf Club in Englewood and Crooked Stick Gulf Club in Indianapolis. One of his favorite souvenirs was an autographed photograph of himself and golfer Arnold Palmer after the two played in a pro-am tournament together.

Survivors include: His wife, Carolyn; a son, Steve, of Indianapolis; and a granddaughter, Rachael Humke, who attends Duke University.