John R. Shumaker, 91, of Columbia City, IN, and having family in Roanoke, IN, died Monday, July 15, 2019, at 3:10 a.m. at Parkview Hospital in Columbia City, where he had been for a week.
Mr. Shumaker’s formative years were spent in Laketon, and he graduated from Laketon High School in 1946. He entered the United States Army after high school, serving in World War II. He then attended DeVry University in Chicago, IL.
After getting married, the Shumakers made their home in Wabash, Columbia City, Fort Wayne and then back to Columbia City since last November.
Mr. Shumaker worked for International Harvester, Fort Wayne, as a machinist and inspector, retiring in 1983. He was a member of The Church of the Brethren in Columbia City, American Legion Post 47, Shrine, Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge 278 of Larwill and Order of the Eastern Star 65.
He was born Oct. 25, 1927, in Wabash County to John W. Shumaker and Lola Warner Smith. He married Jean Renicker on Aug.26, 1950, and she survives.
Additional survivors include a daughter, Marybeth (William) Bollinger, of Roanoke; three sons, John D. (Tephanie) Shumaker, of Columbia City; Steve (Agnes) Shumaker, of Boulder Creek, CA; and Randal Shumaker, of Bozeman, MO; two Betty Bolsover and Georgia Metzger, both of Wabash; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Rose Shumaker.
Calling is Thursday, July 18, 2019, at the funeral home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 207 N. Main Street, Columbia City. A funeral service will be held Friday, July 19, 2019, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at the funeral home. A Masonic service and Order of the Eastern Star service will immediately follow visitation. Burial will follow the service with military honors at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Memorials are to Parkview Hospice.