Arnold Schuma Frank Schuma

Arnold Frank Schuma was born April 26, 1926, in St. Augusta, MN, to Frank and Hilda Schuma. He came to Yuma as part of his military training and met our mother Alice Bernal at the Lyric Theater. They married in November of 1946 until her passing in 2004. They had three children, Frank, Carol, and JoAnn. Arnold was drafted in 1944 after training he was shipped to Luzon in the Philippines joining the 158 Infantry Combat Team (Bushmaster) preparing for the invasion of Japan. After six months of occupation of Japan he was transferred to Y.T.S. and later shipped to Korea at the outbreak of the Korean War. During his service he received the Good Conduct Medal, Merit Unit Commendation, Korean Service. Medal with 6 Bronze Campaign Stars, UN Svc. Medal. Upon separation from regular Army he joined the AZ National Guard retiring in August of 1980. The same year he began his professional career at Y.T.S. later Y.P.G. he received numerous awards for leadership and excellence. He retired from Y.P.G. in August of 1981.

Schuma, as he was known by all his friends was very active and a lifetime member in the American Legion Post 19 and of the 40 n 8 which is an organization within the American Legion. Schuma could be seen driving the 40 n 8 train for all the Legion functions, transporting Santa Claus to the different schools in the Yuma area. He also drove the train for all the Legion functions as well. He was post commander in 1982 and 1986 and was the grand marshall for the 2008 Veterans Day Parade. Schuma was an avid bowler, played men's slow pitch, loved to play cribbage and pinocle. He enjoyed working with leather, fishing, hunting, water skiing and camping. He loved to play Washoes with his grandkids and spending quality family time.

Arnold is survived by his son, Frank (Anita) Schuma of Yuma; daughters, Carol (Bertin Sr.) Lewis, and Jo Ann (Dennis) Van Der Werken of Yuma. There are also 7 grandchildren: Kaben Schuma of CA, Kyle Schuma of NV, Bertin Lewis Jr., Justin Lewis, Michelle Schuma-Johnson of Yuma, Jerald Friend Jr. of Phoenix, and Christina Friend of Yuma; also survived by 19 great-grandchildren; friend and loving companion, Irene DeMello; sister-in-law, Mary Helen (Ambrose) Soliz, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Alice Bernal Schuma; parents, Hilda and Frank Schuma; brothers, Harry and Harold Schuma; sisters, Ann Koeing and Bertha Houle.

Visitation will take place Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Johnson Mortuary from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00pm. Services will follow Friday, May 24, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:30am. His final resting place will be at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held immediately following graveside services at American Legion Post 19, 2575 Virginia Ave. Pallbearers will be Bertin Lewis Jr., Justin Lewis, Kaben Schuma, Kyle Schuma, Marc Friend and Rey Garza. Honorary Pallbearers are Jerald Friend Jr., Zachary Friend, Charles McPherson, Anthony (Bobo) Garza and Vincent Garza, Tony Rotella, Bob Hofforth, Pat Patterson, Dale Hiller, Allen Walker, Ray Gonzalez, Albert Prieto, and Kindra Gonzalez. Donations can be made to: Helping Hospitalized Veterans or Wounded Warriors.