Richard Allen Shumer

Richard (Dick) Allen Shumer was born in Maumee, Ohio, during a raging snow storm on December 26th 1944; his birth a wonderful Christmas gift bestowed on his family and friends. After attending St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Maumee High School, Dick served in Vietnam in the 630th Army Engineer Corp from 1963 to 1965. Shortly after returning home from Vietnam, he noticed a pretty girl in a blue convertible at Don’s Drive Inn. Never one to “let grass grow under his feet” he pursued and proposed to her two months later. Dick and Merrie Dunn were married on May 5th 1967; they celebrated their 40th year of marriage earlier this year. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Florence Shumer; brother Donald Shumer; and father-in-law, Charles Dunn. Dick is survived by his wife, Merrie; daughters, Robin Shumer, Erin (Andrew) Tite; and adored grandchildren Taylor Shumer and Zoe Roland—who reciprocally adored their “Papa Dick”. He is also survived by his brothers, James (Diane) Shumer and Daniel (Diane) Shumer and sisters, Mary Jane (Ron) Staple and Susan (Utah) Harris, sister-in-law Carol Shumer; mother-in-law, Virginia Dunn; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Candice and Randy House. Dick has numerous nieces and nephews and loved talking about their accomplishments. During his career as a Marine Surveyor for General Adjustment Bureau, Dick moved his family frequently. After living on the Galveston Mainland for many years, he moved to Austin in 1988 and retired due to a work-related injury. Known and loved for the many things he did for others, Dick was always the first to offer his assistance to someone else. His family, extended family, friends and neighbors considered him, rightly so, to be the world’s greatest handyman. His “inventions” never failed to amaze, and sometimes amuse. His passion in life was Newfoundland dogs. Dick was a nationally-known dog trainer and inspired many “Newfie” owners to train for water and carting competitions. His absence from the water training group at Paleface and the carting group in Austin will be keenly felt. He was the second person in the US (in the Newfoundland dog breed) to “owner-train” his own assistance dog. Dick and Buddy (the big black dog in the red packs) were a common sight in the Crestview area. Dick’s wishes were to be cremated and to have his ashes intermingled with all of his favorite dogs. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate his life on Sunday, November 4th from 1-3pm at Mayfield Park in Austin; please dress casually. Memorial contributions may be made to the Newfoundland Health Challenge at [email protected]. Obituary and guestbook online at www.wcfish.com