Richard "Dick" Harold Shumacker, Jr., age 96, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, formerly of Canadian Lakes, Michigan, passed away on October 11, 2023. He was born on February 17, 1927, to Richard Harold and Maurine (Casper) Shumacker in Toledo, Ohio, where he grew up playing baseball and street hockey. Dick graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1945 where he was an honor roll student all four years, an athletic representative, and participated in intramurals and bowling. He then enlisted in the Army and served his country until 1948. When he returned to civilian life he enrolled at the University of Toledo and married Maxine Jane Allen on September 11, 1948. Dick graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation Dick went to work for Gulf Oil Corporation, which was later bought out by Chevron Oil Co. Dick held various jobs with Gulf/Chevron, from Sales when he started out, to District Manager and President/CEO of Bulk Oil, which was a subsidiary owned by Gulf Oil. Dick retired from Chevron in 1992, but he wasn't ready to stop working and he went on to work for Spartan Oil until 2007, and then as an independent contractor until 2010, when he finally decided it was time to quit working and enjoy life. Dick loved to play golf, fish and watch sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. He was a voracious reader, had an extensive library, and enjoyed playing the organ. Camping, hiking, photography, and gardening were some of his favorite pastimes. Dick was proud of the fact that he followed in his dad's and father-in-law's footsteps and became a Mason and Shriner. For the last five years of his life, he became a Florida snowbird and enjoyed spending his winters in Bay Foot Bay, Florida. His friends will tell you he always had a smile on his face and was always up for going to get burgers and/or playing cards.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, his wife Maxine, his sister Shari Shumacker Menning, and companion Kay Blondin. Dick left behind his three daughters, Gamie (Geoff) Preston of Fort Wayne, IN, Ann (Scott) Schilling of Westfield, IN, and Pam (Phil) Whittenhall of Genoa, IL, along with 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his companion, Marilyn West of Canadian Lakes, Michigan, Kay's children, Valerie (Brian) Parsons and Jeff (Rachel) Blondin, and Marilyn's children, Kelley (Tom) Barry, Kathy Thompson, Mary (Dave) Stewart, Mike (Francie) West, and David (Sherry) West, who all loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dick Shumacker to Eleos Hospice Care, 4432 Ardmore Ave., Unit B, Fort Wayne, IN 46809, in appreciation for the wonderful end of life care that he received from them.
A Celebration of Richard's Life is 3 pm, Friday, October 27, 2023 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street Fort Wayne, Indiana, with calling from 12 noon until the services. A Masonic Service and Military Honors will be taking place.
Arrangements have been entrusted to FairHaven Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, Indiana.