Michael Keith Shoumaker

Mike was an avid writer and a voracious reader. He always was planning a book, story, or play in his head. His love for old movies, politics, 60’s rock music, The Lone Ranger, and John Wayne was only surpassed by his love of competitive debate and forensics. He was a high school and college debate champion, and later a coach. Mike graduated from Buffalo High School in 1966 and went on to earn degrees in theater and law. Mike worked as a speech writer in Washington, DC, and as a criminal defense attorney in Wyoming and Colorado. Those who knew him well know that he had a commitment to justice for all and he would gladly tell you about it with his trademark candor.

Mike married Frances Theresa Zebre in 1970. They had two children, Jennifer (Jason) Mayer and Amanda Shoumaker. Mike and Terry were married until her passing in 1995. He later married Robin Eicher in 1997 and gained four more daughters: Caroline (Matt) Whittaker, Coco Kleppinger, Christy Kleppinger, and Caitlin Kleppinger. Four grandchildren (Alyssa Mayer, Branden Mayer, Ryley Whittaker, Reese Whittaker) joined the family and Mike loved watching them grow up. Above all else in the world, Mike was committed to his family and was a remarkable husband, father, and grandfather.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, sister Barbara, and his first wife. He is survived by his mother, loving wife Robin, sister Lenet, daughters, four grandchildren, a niece and two nephews.

A note from Jennifer and Amanda:

When we were young, our dad used to tell us that when he passed away he wanted us to tell everyone that “he was up to his neck in alligators and the alligators won”. So… that is what happened. Mike passed after a long illness on March 7th, 2024. Per his wishes, no services are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support a speech and debate scholarship in his name. Donations should be sent to Allnutt Funeral Service- Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th St. Greeley, CO 80634. Celebrations of life in the form of amazing stories about our dad are welcome ([email protected]) as we learn to live with him in our hearts, but not in our lives.