Daniel Lee Schumaker

Daniel Lee Schumaker, 82, passed away peacefully in his beautiful Indiana home surrounded by his children on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Dan was a decorated Navy combat veteran and retired airline pilot who devoted his life to the service of his country, his community and his family.

Dan was born on Nov. 22, 1940, in Garrett, Indiana, to his parents, Otho and Helen Schumaker. He grew up as a multi-sport athlete and avid outdoorsman, and particularly enjoyed pheasant hunting with his father and brother-in-law, Gene.

After attending Indiana University with his childhood friend, Dale "Hunk" Feick, Dan proudly served his country as a naval aviator in Vietnam, flying the P5 Marlin throughout the South Pacific on reconnaissance missions.

He continued a career in aviation for the subsequent 33 years and retired as captain for United Airlines. He owns the record at United for most flight hours logged in a narrow-body jet airliner, primarily the Boeing 727.

His expansive property, known as "Deep Willows," was his life's passion. It was named after a massive ranch he cherished during his time in Australia with Sir Aaron "Buffalo Breath" Smith.

His land will continue to provide an incomparable wildlife habitat for decades to come.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Wessel; his father, Otho Schumaker; his sister, Connie Shambaugh; his brother-in-law, Gene Shambaugh; and his beloved dog, Chiona. He is survived his by son, Timothy Schumaker; daughter, Sarah Lundell (Matthew Lundell); his niece, Julie Joll; and his five grandchildren, Sydney Schumaker, Mabel Lundell, Lucy Lundell, Hawken Lundell and Arlo Schumaker.

In the late 1970s, Dan met a beautiful flight attendant, Bonnie Gray, who he fell in love with and married in June of 1982. He supported her dreams of being an artist while she was a stay-at-home mother to their young children. They separated 10 years later, but always shared in the joy of raising their kids.

When Dan wasn't flying, he enjoyed pranking his friends, having coffee with his best friend, Clark Hensell, planting trees in his certified wildlife habitat, photographing local sporting events and enjoying good wine with friends overlooking his property, particularly his dear friend, Jayna Keigley.

Dan was an entrepreneur who embarked on many business endeavors, such as an international jewelry and goods trade, a newspaper named The Trail, a fire-proof furniture startup, and community enrichment groups like founding the Historic New Carlisle and the Hill and Dale Club.

He has written an autobiographical book titled "The Search for High Adventure" that documents his life's incredible journey. His family hopes to publish it in the near future. He is loved, respected and missed by all who knew him.

There will be a funeral with a celebration of life luncheon to follow at 10 a.m. EDT on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at his home, 54933 Timothy Rd. New Carlisle, Indiana, 46552. There will be a visitation beforehand from 9 to 10 a.m. EDT. Arrangements are being handled by Kaniewski Funeral Home in New Carlisle, 574-654-3221. Dan would ask that you plant a tree in his honor.