Gary E. Schumaker

Gary Edward Schumaker, 86, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, at Aberdeen Village in Olathe, Kansas, following a courageous battle with heart disease.

Born on March 7, 1940, in Clifton, Kansas, Gary was the son of Edward and Theresa (Racette) Schumaker. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Sharon Lynn Solts. Together they shared more than six decades of marriage and raised two children.

Gary graduated from Fort Hays State University, where he earned degrees in Business Administration and Agriculture. He went on to dedicate 35 years of service to USDA Rural Development. A devout Catholic, Gary lived his faith through active involvement in the Knights of Columbus and various parish ministries. He was equally committed to his community, giving his time to local civic organizations and guiding young athletes as a youth coach and referee.

He brought warmth and enthusiasm to everything he loved—whether tending his garden, firing up the grill, or cheering on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He and Sharon were loyal fans, proudly holding season tickets together for over 30 years. They also shared a deep affection for nature, cherishing their annual trips to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Even as his health declined, Gary's spirit carried an unyielding strength. He faced endless appointments and hospitalizations with remarkable patience and grace, never failing to thank his caregivers with his signature, heartfelt blessing: “God bless you!”

Above all else, Gary was fiercely family-oriented. His greatest joy was simply being surrounded by the people he loved, and he was a constant, steadfast presence as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Gary’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Sharon; his daughter, Angela (David) Rogg Cocanower; his son, Gregory (Dina) Schumaker; five grandchildren, Danielle (Israel) Guillermo, Hannah (Coleman) Taylor, Sarah Rogg, Cole Schumaker, and Amaya Schumaker; and three great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W 143rd St, Olathe, Kansas. Gary will be laid to rest immediately following Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.

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