George Shumaker

Shumaker

George Alva Bennett Shumaker 92 of Pleasantville, Ohio passed away Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Pickering House. He was born on September 7, 1922 in Hocking Township, Fairfield County and raised in the Cedar Heights and Pierce Ave. area in Lancaster. George had two brothers, Morton and Bill and three sisters, Bertha, Izle and Josephine. His parents were James franklin and Mary Izle (Waites) Shumaker. During the ‘Great Depression’ any type of work was hard earned; George hoed gardens, ran errands for stores, sang gospel songs at various gatherings, mid-wife assisted and even engaged in boxing matches to earn change for income.
In 1943, George met his “Love” Marjorie Marie. He was drafted into the US Army during World War II. When the war ended, George and Marjorie purchased their 3 room house at the edge of Pleasantville.
In 1947, George and three other local men pooled some money together and purchased an old farm truck. He converted it into a fire truck and The Pleasantville Fire Department was operational. George turned the Fire Chief position down twice—saying “ he wanted to be on the lines with the other guys”. George has taught many of trainees to become a “real” fire fighter. Until recently, you could catch George, coffee cup in hand, watching the younger guys clean the trucks, including that red 1941 Ford Flat Head 8 fire truck at the Pleasant Twp. Fire Station at Coonpath Rd. and St. Rt. #188.
He was known as “Pappy” or Dad Shumaker to the crews, he was always ready to listen to a problem or roll some fire hose. Just naming some higher ups fire personnel would bring a smile to his face, knowing that at some time in the past 65 years plus years, he had “taught them a thing or two about fighting fires or calming a child at an automobile accident.
The Shumaker’s backfield became a Go-Kart track in the summer and the place for Halloween “full costume” parties and bond fires. You never knew who from which fire department had arrived until late evening.
George’s and Marjorie’s front door was always open. The kitchen table had enough room for one, two or three more chairs to share in the evening meal. Marjorie worked at the local I.G.A. store, so she knew when a family was in need. Many baskets of fresh food along with a couple pairs of shoes for children, would find its way to their doorstep. Praise the Lord for healthy gardens and the local shoe cobbler.
George officially retired from Owens Corning after 40 years, but also worked for Karl McCune Tractor Sales, Ray Nieser Plumbing, Newton Electrical, Bill Lane Trucking, drove a Pleasantville school bus, and the Olivedale Senior Citizens Trip Bus, where Marjorie served as a Paramedic on-board.
George was a member of the American Legion Ross George Post #9, REACT, Honey Creek Go-Kart Club, Olivedale Senior Citizens Center, Malibu Grand Prix Race Team, Big Jim C.B. Network-handle (Lonesome George).
He is survived by his daughter, Pat, sons, Dale (Shirley), Floyd “Skip”, Rick (Lona), Jeff (Vivian), 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Marie, son, Chuck, granddaughter, Carri, parents, brothers, and sisters.
Pat and family would like to thank The Summit Rehabilitation Center, FairHope Hospice and the Carlin Houses in Logan for their caring assistance during George’s stay. God Bless You All!
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130. George will be laid to rest next to his wife, Marjorie at Hampson Cemetery, Pleasantville with the Pleasant Township Fire Department firefighters conducting the honor guard and burial detail at the cemetery. Friends may visit Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
George asked that any donations be sent to The Pleasant Twp. Fire Department, Firemen Equipment Fund, 2925 Lancaster-Thornville Rd. NE, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or Meals on Wheels of Fairfield County, 253 Boving Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.
To send an online condolence, and , please visit www.funeralhome.com.