Leon Shumaker

Leon Shumaker, age 81, of Grand Chain, passed away at 6:01 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at his home.

Leon was born October 10, 1937 in Grand Chain, Illinois.  He attended Grand Chain High School graduating in 1955.  He then graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Mathematics degree in 1960.  Leon received his master’s degree in Administration from Murray State.  He served in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant from 1960 to 1963.

Leon and Betty Lou Richardson were united in marriage on September 13, 1958. They just recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Leon had taught at Cairo Junior High School and also served as principal. Leon also was the principal of Meridian Elementary and later taught in the district. At Century High School he was a math instructor and principal. He coached high school basketball and high school softball. He retired in 1993.

Leon was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed his family and all his hunting buddies.  He was a regular at the Pickup Mart.  He loved to tell stories and jokes to make others happy and laugh.

He served his family, his nation and our God. He loved life and he lived it well.

Leon is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Richardson Shumaker; two daughters, Susan Gaye (Dane) Meink and Stacy Gail Parker; grandsons, Nick (Karla) Parker, Collin (Kendra) Parker, Trey (Dana) Baugher, Carson (Anna) Baugher, Challin (Kevin) Meink and Angela (Zac) Hammon; great-grandchildren, Micaela Aurora Parker, Carter Lee Baugher, Olivia Herrin, Caylee Hammon and Hannah Hammon; nieces, Amy (Cary) Petermichel, Lea Ann (Brent) Mehrhoff and Karen (Jeremy) Nation.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Catherine Sharp Shumaker and Lee Sharp; sister, Judith Kay (David) Petermichel.

Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Leon Shumaker will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Catherine’s Church in Grand Chain.  Monsignor William McGhee  will be officiating,  father Chris Mujule will be assisting.  Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Grand Chain. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Burial Detail Team. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 till 8 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak.

Pallbearers serving will be Nick and Collin Parker, Trey and Carson Baugher, Gavin Petermichel and Dane Meink.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Catherine’s Preservation Society. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.