Leo J. Schumacher Sr.

Waxahachie, Texas: Leo J. Schumacher Sr., 81, of Waxahachie passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, with family and friends at his side. Leo was born June 27, 1929, in Ipswich, S.D., to Michael and Martina (Dosch) Schumacher. He married Marie Burckhard in Aberdeen, S.D., in 1950 and they raised three sons.

Leo was drafted into the United States Army in 1950 and rose through the ranks to retire nearly 30 years later as a Chief Warrant Officer CW4. His military career included postings in several states, Korea and Europe. Following his military service, Leo had a second career with the U.S. Postal Service. He and Marie moved to Waxahachie in 1985 where they retired in 1991. He practiced his faith at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waxahachie and was a Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus and served as Faithful Navigator.

Leo will be remembered by his family and friends as a true gentleman. He and Marie were married 59 years; she was the love of his life and his "best friend." Leo enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Sunday football and any event that brought his family together. Leo will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his three sons, Leo Schumacher Jr., of The Woodlands, Allan Schumacher, of Astoria, Ore., Keith Schumacher and his wife Bettie, of Cedar Hill; five grandchildren, Michael, Katrina, Kaitlin, Shelby and Jonathan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Aloysius and Edward; sisters, Margaret and Helen; and his beloved wife, Marie.

The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie with the rosary at 7:15 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waxahachie. Interment with full military honors will be at DFW National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in care of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Waxahachie, Texas. Donations will benefit the needy in the Waxahachie area. bozemitchell mckibbin.com.

Arrangements by Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie.

This obituary was originally published in the Aberdeen American News.