John Patrick "Pat" Schumacher (68)

With profound sadness, the family of John Patrick Schumacher acknowledges that his laughter fell silent on Friday, June 17, 2022. His passing was unexpected, but followed a recent illness.

Pat was born to Paul and Bettie Schumacher on May 29, 1954, on the family farm in Altamont, IL. He was the second of four boys, and got up to exactly the right amount of mischief to make him a cherished dad and uncle (who had the best stories to tell at Christmas). His life’s many adventures led him to live in several cities, including St. Louis, MO, Charleston, SC, Riverside, CA, and Brandon, MS. He graduated from Middleton HS in Charleston, SC in 1972. In college he majored in nearly everything, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from the College of Charleston in 1981. He liked to say that he spent as much time in school as any of his postdoctoral brothers. A man of many creative talents, he raced sailboats, painted murals, built anything he had the tools for, worked ferrying the Charleston harbor pilots, as a delivery truck driver, and later in sales for Apple. For the past twenty years he worked as a systems analyst for Irby Electric in Jackson, MS.

He was a loyal friend to many and beloved brother of Dr. Paul Wayne / “P-Dub” (Cindy) of Maui, Hawaii; Rev. Dr. William Wallace (Tamara) of St. Louis, MO, and Dr. Benjamin Wade (Carol) of Gambier, Ohio.

The life of the party in any season, Pat could be recognized by his friendly demeanor and quick wit; his consummate knowledge of music, movies, and scotch; and he could be located within three city blocks by his laugh, which was frequent, full, and infectious.

Preceded in death by his parents, Pat is survived by his brothers, his two children, Blair (Herndon, VA) and Robert Patrick (Draper, UT), and former spouse, Dr. Leslie Karns (Draper, UT). He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30th at First United Methodist Church in Altamont, Illinois, with Gene Creek officiating and burial in the family plot. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heifer International. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.