Ethan David Humphrey

PFC Ethan David Humphrey, 21, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in an auto accident.

Born August 11, 2004, in Winter Haven, Florida, he was an Eagle Scout with Trailcraft Troop 123 in Winter Haven and a graduate of Central Florida Aerospace Academy. In high school, Ethan was an intern at International Aero Maintenance where he learned to love working on planes and the avionics industry. His love of nature and community inspired his Eagle Scout project at Circle B Bar Reserve, where he created educational kiosks for the community pollinator garden, and made improvements to the outdoor classroom. Following graduation, he began working for Weeks Marine, where he held responsibility for night watch operations in the engine room as an oiler on booster barges and later aboard the RS WEEKS, one of the largest cutterhead dredges operating on the Southeast Coast, where he left a lasting impression on his crew mates.

Ethan answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he was incredibly proud to serve. He completed Basic and One Station Unit Training (OSUT) in Fort Benning, Georgia, where he earned his Military Occupational Specialty as a 19K M1 Abrams Armor Crewman. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Bliss, Texas. He trained in patrol and reconnaissance operations before deploying in support of the Joint Task Force Southern Border mission out of Fort Huachuca, Arizona. During his time in the Army, Ethan distinguished himself through his dedication, hard work, motivation, and commitment to those he served alongside. His leadership recognized him as a Soldier who continually worked to improve himself, excelled under the demands of real-world missions, and took great pride in his role as a crewman. He was named Annihilator Company’s Soldier of the Month in March and April of 2026, and was recognized for his skill, physical determination, and contributions to his unit. Prior to his passing, Ethan’s leadership has posthumously submitted him for consideration for his exceptionally meritorious service—describing his contributions to Annihilator Company as tremendous and his service as honorable.

Ethan was always looking toward his future. While serving in the Army, he enrolled at Louisiana State University to pursue a degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration. Above all, Ethan looked forward to continuing to grow and serve others. Ethan felt to the core of his soul the joys, sorrows, tribulations and dreams, both hoped for and lost, of every person he met. He went out of his way to bring a feeling of community to those who had none.

The family will receive friends at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends beginning at 10:00am on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in Winter Haven followed by funeral services at 12:00 p.m.

Interment Services with military honors will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, at 10:30am, Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Donations may be made in Ethan’s memory to Trailcraft Troop 123, the Scout troop where Ethan grew, learned, and ultimately achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Donations may be sent to Trailcraft Troop 123, 2005 Winterset Road, Winter Haven, FL 33884. During his military service, Ethan received care packages from the USO and loved receiving them. Memorial contributions may also be made to the USO through its Honor Their Service Celebrate Their Legacy program. Honor Their Service. Celebrate Their Legacy.