Ralph Edgar Schumann

In 1950, Ralph was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers proudly serving in the U. S. Army Reserve through 1960. Ralph graduated from The Ohio State University in 1951 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While in college he was recognized as an accomplished marksman with the Rifle team and was also a member of the Triangle Fraternity. After graduating, Ralph moved to Columbus to start a 35 year career with Cummins Engine Company in which he was a key contributor to the company’s creation of the NH Engine. In 1954, Ralph married Nancy Snyder, and they made a beautiful life together, raising 4 children in the Columbus community.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Snyder Schumann, his parents, and two brothers, Thomas G. and John A. Schumann.

Ralph is survived by his children, daughter Marilynn Cullison (Thomas) Swansboro, NC, son Fritz (Anne) West Chester, PA, daughters, Sally Hirsch (Daniel) Denver, CO and Kathy Kok (Hans) Carmel, IN; as well as six grandchildren: Catherine Cullison Culver (Matthew), Andy Cullison, Natalie and Claire Schumann, Caden Hirsch and Will Kok; and great grandson, Easton Culver. He is also survived by his brother, Carl R. Schumann.

The First United Methodist Church will miss his beautiful voice, where he sang in the choir for over 60 years. He was a dedicated member of the Columbus Evening Kiwanis, acting as their scholarship chairman for over 25 years. He also served on the Bartholomew County Drainage Board.

He was a true outdoorsman, and passed this love of nature on to his children and grandchildren. For 43 years, he was joined by family and friends, for an annual fishing, canoeing and camping adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An accomplished trap shooter, placing at the Grand Nationals, Ralph was a proud lifetime and Golden Eagle member of the National Rifle Association. Ralph loved hunting and fishing, and he made sure his children and grandchildren learned how to fish, paddle a canoe, hunt for morel mushrooms and tap a maple tree.

A celebration of his life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 618 Eighth Street, Columbus, IN. Private inurnment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery. The family will receive online condolences at www.Myers-Reed.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church Schumann Piano Performance Fund or the First United Methodist Church.