Thomas Robert Shumate Sr., 74, died on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Dunlap Specialty Care Center. He was born on July 8, 1949, outside of Dow City to Walter and Maymie (Kline) Shumate. He attended school in Dow City before joining the workforce. Tom worked for Stoddard’s in Dunlap, IBP, drove truck for Panama Transfer, worked at the Denison newspaper and at Westmont in Logan before retiring from O’Reilly Auto Parts in Denison. Tom was united in marriage to Laura Summerfield on July 3, 1993.
One of Tom’s greatest passions was golf. He spent countless hours on the rolling greens, perfecting his swing and the friendships he shared with fellow golfers formed deep connections that lasted a lifetime. In addition to golfing, Tom had a knack for cards and trivia. He used to play pool, darts and bowl with Laura and their friends and he found solace in reading books. One of Tom's true joys in life was spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He treasured every moment shared with them, from attending their sporting events to cheering them on from the sidelines. Their achievements brought him immeasurable pride.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Randy Weber; grandson, Tyler Weber; and siblings, Walter “Buddy” Shumate, Ed Shumate, Jane Kunze and Judy Brandt. He is survived by his wife, Laura Shumate of Dunlap; children, Lisa and her husband Michael Dieter of Denison, Melissa Holmes of Apex, NC, Lacey and her husband Ryan Michel of Woodbine, and Tad Shumate of Dunlap; 10 grandchildren; brother, Fred Shumate of Dow City; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Monday, August 28, 2023, at Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap. Beth Fouts presided over the service. The musicians were Mandy Sandvold and Judy Thams. The musical selections were “I Can Only Imagine”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Hey Jude”. The honorary pallbearers were Brett Kimball, Riley Meisel, the late Tyler Weber, Tyson Shumate, Lily Kimball, Hayden Kimball, Kaleb Michel, Elijah Shumate, Aymie Michel, Ethan Kimball and Wyatt Shumate. The pallbearers were Tad Shumate, Mike Dieter, Ryan Michel, Scott Anderson, Randy Block and Weston McDonald. Tom’s final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
